The print production manager is the print equivalent of the commercial producer.

This position entails both business aspects of choosing the right vendors – printers, artists, graphic designers, photographers, and other print production people – as well as understanding the finer aspects of printing.

The print production manager (PPM) works with the art director and the creative director to understand exactly what they need in the proper completion of print ads, collateral, or anything that needs to be printed. The PPM then works with the vendors to negotiate the best price, and often to negotiate a faster schedule than the vendor would want. The PPM handles many such tasks in various stages of completion and must stay on top of them all because each stage depends on the timely completion of the previous stage.
Average Salary: $77,000
Average Hours (per week):

The average week is 40 hours, though sometimes more to meet deadlines or deal with unexpected changes. Generally, though, good PPM’s are expected to get their work done during office hours.
Union:

No.
Certifications:

Project management certification would be a good idea. PPM’s must also keep up on changes and techniques in printing.
Training Period:

Generally requires a bachelor’s degree and many years of experience in graphic arts and printing. Also requires organization; project management; and, an exceptional attention to detail, both with numbers and with printing, illustration and art.
Strongest Market(s):

Anywhere there is an ad agency, or a company that is creating much of its own printed material, there is a job for PPMs. Since print is infinitely more common than broadcast, and still quite complex in its variables, there is a need for print production managers in all but the smallest markets.
Entry Level Salary:

For managerial level, the salary is $50,000.
Top Salary:

$105,000.
Job Growth Forecast:
Job growth over the next ten years is 12percent, generally on par with growth in all areas of employment.

Related posts:

1. Production Assistant
2. Advertising Executive Producer
3. Design Manager
4. Advertising Art Director
5. Advertising Account Director