Technical Program Manager - Prepress Automation
Hybrid/Remote role, must be based in the US*

Are you passionate about orchestrating strategic initiatives and spearheading the development of cutting-edge software solutions that power some of the largest brands servicing storytellers and print creators around the globe? Do you thrive in coordinating complex programs across multifaceted teams to deliver high-impact results?

RPI Print is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead the advancement and expansion of automation solutions within our Enterprise SaaS Suite that supports all aspects of short run and print-on-demand fulfillment services. In this pivotal role, you'll collaborate closely with our Product, Design, Engineering, and Operations teams to drive a user-centric approach, catering to the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders, from external enterprise clients to internal manufacturing personnel. A core focus of this position will be on program management within the prepress workflow, steering the automation processes from content creation to the generation of print-ready PDFs. In this unique role, you will be empowered to both manage and contribute to building the automation that drives the preflight, normalization, and imposition for a variety of personalized print products including books, magazines, cards, and an array of other business and décor items.

Success in this role can lead to opportunities in supporting other aspects of the Enterprise SaaS Suite, including further immersion into the products that support the entirety of the manufacturing process from order receipt through to shipping, or support the growth of the client base in an externally facing role supporting Sales & Marketing, based on interest and skillset.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation by leveraging new and existing functionality in our imposition software to design and implement workflows that support development-free integrations through use of the MARS, RPI's Enterprise SaaS product for managing a manufacturing flow.
• Establish a full PDF processing workflow from eCommerce and Publishing Creation/Upload Tools input through to generating print ready files in manufacturing that ensures compatibility at all hand off points between Products.
• Lead the creation of an 'out-of-the-box' imposition workflow that can deliver to any manufacturing facility running MARS, leveraging custom work as a potential upsell.
• Support the growth of physical product types supported by MARS to enable the capture of emerging market segments.
• Research and propose opportunities to employ automation to synchronize systems.
• Serve as a product evangelist and subject matter expert to prospective and existing users.
• Facilitate the creation and maintenance of proper product documentation.

Required Skills

• Ability to think strategically and translate business needs into product requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration, and presentation skills to clearly articulate product vision and roadmap to stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency with XML and JSON for a working understanding of API development.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into clear and concise communication for non-technical audiences.
• Fostering strong relationships with cross-functional teams (Design, Engineering, Operations, Marketing).

Qualifications & Experience

• A degree in Computer Science, Imaging Science, Printing Science, a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years in Program, Product, and/or Project Management or equivalent roles in management of automated solutions for manufacturing.
• Proven ability in managing PDF for print workflows, inclusive of imposition work, which results in accurate and repeatable output.
• Experience working cross-functionally with UX, Engineering, and Operational Teams.
• Demonstrated leadership in planning and executing technical implementations in a production environment.
• Familiarity with short run and print-on-demand technologies and workflow for the production of creative content is highly desired.

Location: Hybrid Role*

We prefer candidates who are located near our company facilities in Seattle, Atlanta, or Rochester, NY. This allows for occasional in-person collaboration and team building. While we prioritize candidates within these areas, we also welcome fully remote candidates. For remote candidates, periodic travel to our facilities will be required, typically on a quarterly bases, or as needed, for team meetings, training sessions, company events, and other engagements.

About us:

RPI Print, headquartered in Seattle, WA is a global print partner focused on making brands successful. RPI helps businesses of all sizes, across all industries, by offering sustainable and reliable digital printing services that reach customers all over the world. With facilities and partners in the US, Europe, and Australia, and innovative IT solutions, RPI is an end-to-end integrated supply chain for digital printing on demand. Our leading brand, Blurb®, is a software-driven publishing platform that unleashes the creative genius inside everyone. Blurb's platform makes it easy to create, publish, promote, and sell one-of-a-kind books in print and digital formats. Blurb authors have created millions of books using our full suite of free book-making tools. While our passion is digital printing, what we find equally important is building relationships with our customers. Making real connections! Find us online at https://www.rpiprint.com/ and https://www.blurb.com/

At RPI/Blurb, we recognize the strength in diversity and strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to equal opportunity and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

RPI/Blurb is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please note that the job description may be periodically reviewed as duties and responsibilities evolve with business needs. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification, and reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.