Printing services manager

Name: Shane Kinniburgh
Age: 42
Job title: Printing services manager
Working hours: 40 hours plus as required
Employer: PMP (NZ)
Pay: Industry average $50 to $80K
Qualifications needed:
Experience working in the printing industry is the key requirement because the role draws on a lot of different skills that can only be developed over time. Shane has 25 years experience working in various roles within the industry, but the minimum requirement would be a trade certificate in printing and a lot of hands-on experience.
Career prospects:
PMP has printing presses in Auckland, Christchurch and Australia and there are management roles within the group which would broaden general management experience.

What do you do?

My main focus is looking after clients - from being involved in the initial briefing through to being their eyes and ears on the printing floor, ensuring the final printed product will meet their expectations quality wise.

At other times, looking after a client means making suggestions about a new printing process or technique that gives them the edge.

Another important part of my role is liaising with suppliers to procure the printing products we need. Sourcing the right inks and chemicals is a critical part of ensuring a high standard.

A part of the job I particularly enjoy is being a judge for the Pride in Print awards. The awards are an annual competition where printers put forward their best work to be judged. I'm one of the judges in the web printing section.

I am also involved in internally assessing our printing apprentices as they progress through their training modules.

What are the challenges of the job?

Definitely the trouble shooting part of the job. The printing presses are sophisticated but occasionally there are technical problems so the challenge is finding the problem and fixing it quickly. I tend to view a problem as a challenge.

The job can also be pressurised - the printing presses run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there are always deadlines to meet, so being able to work under pressure and with constant deadlines is important.

Why did you choose the job?

I think the job chose me, rather than me choosing the job. My father was a printer by trade, so I grew up hearing a lot about printing and was fascinated by the size and speed of the printing presses. This particular job appealed to me because of the client interaction and because the role is so varied.

What do you like about the job?

Learning about printing technology and trends. We are currently working with metallic and scented inks.

I also enjoy the variety of work which ranges from printing catalogues to magazines. It's very satisfying to see magazines that we have printed on sale in the shops. I have been caught flicking through women's magazines on a number of occasions, but I'm only taking a professional interest of course.

What are your strengths?

People skills and attention to detail. I enjoy working with people and the variety of the role means I'm liaising with many different people including clients, suppliers and colleagues.

Where would you like to be in five years?

Like most people, I want to progress my career, so I'd like to think I will be in a more senior management role in five years time.

What job hunting advice would you give?

There is a shortage of good printers in New Zealand so if printing interests you, talk to any printing company about their apprenticeship opportunities.