How to Be Print Finisher Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 8, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The recent addition of a Finisher Supervisor to the production team has had a positive effect on the overall quality of the product. This has been made possible by the supervisor's ability to efficiently manage the finishing process, ensure that all deadlines are met, and ensure a uniformly high level of quality across all products. This has in turn caused an increase in customer satisfaction, resulting in increased sales and profitability for the company. The Finisher Supervisor has also been instrumental in reducing wasted materials and costs associated with producing subpar products, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement for becoming a print finisher supervisor.
Consider Further Education or Training. Print finisher supervisors may benefit from taking courses related to printing and finishing, such as web offset printing or press and bindery operations.
Gain Work Experience. Print finisher supervisors typically have several years of experience working in the printing industry, such as in pre-press, press, or post-press operations.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not always necessary, but it can demonstrate a level of expertise and help print finisher supervisors stand out in the job market.
Find a Job. Print finisher supervisors should look for job postings on job boards, websites of printing companies, and through professional organizations.
Advance in the Field. With experience and additional education, print finisher supervisors may be able to advance to higher-level positions in the printing industry.

The development of a skilled and competent Finisher Supervisor is dependent on several factors. Firstly, they must have an in-depth knowledge of the industry, the tools and techniques of the craft, and the materials they will be working with. Secondly, they must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work with a team to maximize efficiency.

Lastly, they must have the physical dexterity to perform the job safely and accurately. All of these elements combined will ensure that a Finisher Supervisor is equipped with the skills necessary for success in their role. As a result, this will create a positive impact on productivity and quality, leading to increased customer satisfaction and increased profits for the organization.

You may want to check Print Traffic Coordinator, Laser Printer Operator, and Offset Print Production Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure accurate and timely completion of finishing work on printed products.
Monitor the quality of finished work and address any discrepancies.
Oversee the maintenance and operation of finishing equipment.
Train new staff in the proper use of finishing equipment and techniques.
Monitor inventory levels of supplies and order new materials as needed.
Maintain a safe, clean and organized work area.
Resolve issues related to job scheduling, production, and quality control.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards for finishing operations.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems related to finishing equipment.
Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and cost savings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge and experience in operating and maintaining finishing equipment
Strong leadership and organizational skills
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints
Knowledge of safety standards and procedures
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with finishing equipment
Ability to motivate and coordinate a team of finishers
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work with minimal supervision

Effective communication is an essential skill for any successful supervisor in the finishing industry. When supervisors are able to communicate effectively with their teams, they can ensure that tasks are completed on time, with quality output. Poor communication can have a negative effect on the overall productivity and quality of the finished product.

lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings amongst team members and lead to a decrease in morale and motivation. Effective communication allows supervisors to clearly explain expectations to their team, making sure everyone is on the same page and able to work together efficiently. As a supervisor in the finishing industry, it is also important to be able to provide constructive feedback and positive reinforcement.

By providing helpful feedback, supervisors can help their team learn, grow and develop in their careers.

Print Production Coordinator, Print Production Planner, and Digital Printing Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in supervising a print finishing team?
What strategies have you used to ensure high-quality work and customer satisfaction?
How would you handle a situation where a team member is not performing up to standard?
What methods do you use to monitor production and quality control?
How do you stay up to date with industry trends and best practices?
What challenges have you faced in a previous print finishing supervision role?
How do you create a positive and productive working environment for your team?
How do you ensure that safety protocols are followed?
What strategies do you use to optimize efficiency and reduce costs?
How do you handle difficult conversations with team members or customers?

Common Tools in Industry

Label Printer. Prints labels with custom text, such as product names and barcodes. (Eg: Zebra ZT410)
Guillotine Cutter. Cuts paper or card stock into smaller sizes. (Eg: MBM Triumph 4315)
Folding Machine. Automatically folds paper into specified folds. (Eg: Intelli-Fold IF-50)
Bindery Machine. Binds printed materials into books, catalogs, and other documents. (Eg: Duplo DB-210)
Drilling Machine. Used to punch holes into paper for binding. (Eg: Renz Mobi 500)
Foil Stamper. Applies metallic foil to printed material for a decorative finish. (Eg: Stamping Foiler SF-100)
Creaser Machine. Creates a score line in paper for folding or bending. (Eg: MBM Triumph 4305)
Laminator. Applies a thin plastic film to printed materials to protect them or add a glossy finish. (Eg: GBC Ultima 65)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Print Technologies
American Printing Industry Association
International Digital Enterprise Alliance
National Association for Printing Leadership
National Association of Quick Printers
Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
Flexographic Technical Association
Print Industries of America
Printing Industries of California
Digital Print Technologies Group

We also have Print Quality Assurance Inspector, Print Finisher Technician, and High-Speed Printer Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Inkjet Printer. A type of printer that produces high-quality images and documents by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto a page.
Laser Printer. A type of printer that utilizes laser technology to produce high-quality images and documents.
Finisher Supervisor. A professional responsible for overseeing the production and operation of a finisher unit in a printing facility. They ensure that all processes related to the finisher unit are running smoothly and efficiently.
Finishing Equipment. The machines and tools used in the process of finishing printed materials, such as cutting, folding, binding, laminating, etc.
Bindery Operator. A professional responsible for operating the bindery equipment in a printing facility. They are responsible for ensuring that all operations related to the bindery equipment are running smoothly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Print Finisher Supervisor?

A Print Finisher Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the operations of a print finishing department, which includes cutting, binding, folding, and other post-print processes.

What tasks does a Print Finisher Supervisor typically perform?

A Print Finisher Supervisor typically performs tasks such as monitoring production processes, ensuring quality control standards are met, scheduling staff, and troubleshooting issues.

What qualifications are needed to be a Print Finisher Supervisor?

To be a Print Finisher Supervisor, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in a print finishing environment, and knowledge of common print finishing techniques and processes.

What qualities does an effective Print Finisher Supervisor possess?

An effective Print Finisher Supervisor needs to be organized, have strong communication skills, and have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. They should also have excellent problem-solving skills and be comfortable with using a variety of tools and equipment.