Job Description

The Print Operator is responsible for producing quality finished print products for the DBSA. This is achieved by designing output, programming the copiers/machines and finishing the product that meets the quality and time requirements of the client. This also involves maintenance of the copiers/machines and ensuring stock levels of paper, ink and other consumables whilst adhering to Occupational Health and Safety principles.
Key Responsibilities
1. Printing, Copying, and Desktop Publishing

• Handle e-mailed and over-the-counter print/copy requests.
• Utilise costing model to cost print jobs to clients.
• Conduct layout, positioning, and pre-flighting of documents for print.
• Check documents for consistency and adherence to the corporate branding and maintain colour correctness.
• Liaise with external/internal graphic designers regarding file correctness for print.
• Spool jobs to relevant printers or supply to external providers.
• Set up and maintain automated workflows.
• Liaise with applicants on the best method of printing and finishing.
• Replenish paper and toner in printers and copiers.
• Advise applicants on the best methods for printing, finishing, and job costing.
• Scan and resize variable data printing.

2. Finishing and Dispatch

• Perform various binding methods (Perfect Binding, Saddle Stitch, Spiral Binding, Wiro Binding).
• Trim perfect bound documents.
• Perform guillotining, laminating, folding, and collating of documents.
• Punch documents, acetate sheets and backing boards for binding.
• Collate and fold documents.
• Pack and dispatch of completed jobs.

3. Colour Management and Quality Control

• Maintain colour correctness on all machines and artwork.
• Set up and maintain colour profiling.
• Perform regular calibrations and maintenance to ensure colour accuracy.
• Ensure high-quality output and adherence to client specifications.

4. Machine and Stock Management.

• Perform scheduled maintenance on print room equipment.
• Liaise with supplier technicians for repairs and servicing.
• Obtain quotes and documents for machine maintenance and stock replenishment.
• Monitor and maintain adequate stock levels (paper, ink, chemicals, binding materials).

5. Customer Service and Workflow Management.

• Liaise with customers on printing requirements and cost-effective printing solutions.
• Handle complaints and provide updates on work in progress.
• Register and track incoming jobs, identifying and managing production bottlenecks.
• Manage projects from receipt to final product delivery.

6. Printer Maintenance and Compliance.

• Handle queries related to corridor machines and liaise with third-party suppliers.
• Implement approved user print limits and report all issues to the manager.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
• Maintain print room housekeeping and work with BCM on safety standards.

Key measurements of outputs * Production turn-around time.

• Client satisfaction through approval of work by clients.
• Quality of finished products.
• Adherence to OHS legislation.
• Number of accidents on duty.
• Management of stock levels i.e. Paper, ink and chemicals.
• Minimal downtime.

Expertise & Technical Competencies
Minimum Requirements * Matric/ Grade 12 or equivalent.

• Trade Certification.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in the printing industry including finishing and digital printing.
• Experience in producing quality print jobs from design, through production to finished product.
• Experience in the layout of jobs for printing, different types of binding and finishing.
• Experience in developing high-quality printing material for senior management, board etc which could include amongst others, brochures, booklets, documents and committee packs.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with 3rd parties for the maintenance of print equipment.
• Knowledge, and understanding of safety when handling or using machinery.
• Practice of precautions stipulated in the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Copyright Act.

Desirable Requirements * Advanced skill in terms of graphic arts specialist.
1) Written Communication

• Writes clearly and concisely simple work-related documents.
• Expresses simple ideas clearly in writing.
• Understands enough to independently handle most tasks in this area most of the time but is supplied with direction for work objectives.

2) Verbal Communication

• Able to explain simple procedures or instructions to others, in a clear way.
• Uses a limited range of words to meet simple spoken needs.

3) Computer Literacy

• Is aware of the organisation's policies related to the use of computers, and other technology.
• Applies the basic functionality of common software, such as word processing systems, to complete assigned tasks.
• Generally, knows how to use and maintain own office/workplace equipment.

4) Planning and Organising

• Plans his or her daily work effectively; area; needs more application experience or practice if the required planning is more extensive.
• Independently plans and organises own routine work.

5) Detail Orientation

• Reviews all relevant information or aspects of a situation before taking action or making a decision.
• Pays close attention to details that are important to others to make sure they are right.
• Verifies that work has been completed according to the standards and procedures.

Required Personal Attributes
1) Teamwork and cooperation

• Promotes a friendly climate and good morale, and resolves conflicts.
• Creates opportunities for cross-functional working.
• Encourages others to network outside of their own team/department and learn from their experience.

2) Respond to Customer Needs

• Views others, including colleagues, as customers and wants to meet their needs.
• Keeps the customer informed of relevant developments or changes.
• Gains the trust of customers by maintaining clear, two-way communication regarding mutual
• expectations and satisfaction with service.
• Admits possible errors or mistakes to customers.

3) Integrity

• Expresses what he/she is thinking even when the message may not be especially welcome.
• Shares information or comments about the work when it would be easier to refrain from being open about the situation.

4) Customer Service Orientation

• Makes self fully available, especially when the customer is going through a critical period.
• Requests ongoing feedback from customers and takes action in response to it; manages to retain and capitalize on existing customers.
• Takes the "extra step" to resolve customer issues appropriately, even in the case where they do not fall under their own area of responsibility.
• Is aware of the level of service offered by the competition and provides more for customers than they expect.

5) Self-awareness & Self-Control

• Feels strong emotions in the course of a conversation or other task, such as anger, extreme frustration, or high stress.
• Holds the emotions back and continues to act calmly.
• Ignores angering actions and continues a conversation or task.
• May leave temporarily to withhold emotions, then return immediately to continue.