NEW VACANCY! (SC3586)
Our client is a leading and Award-Winning Large format, Exhibitions, Display & Graphics Company based in the North West that has been established over 20 years. They are currently looking to recruit a Finishing Manager.
Role Purpose
Lead the day-to-day operations of the finishing department, planning workloads, managing people and processes, ensuring top-tier quality and on-time dispatch across all finishing workflows including automated cutting, lamination, stitching / sewing, and assembly.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operations & Planning
2. Own daily / weekly scheduling for finishing, balancing priorities from print through to dispatch
3. Track WIP and deadlines; ensure SLA adherence and efficient changeovers
4. Maintain accurate job tickets, QC records, and materials tracking
5. Team Leadership
6. Supervise and develop finishing operators; plan rotas, train on SOPs, conduct toolbox talks
7. Foster a safety-first, clean, and organised workspace; enforce H&S and manual handling standards
8. Collaborate closely with print, design / prepress, and account management on feasibility and timelines
Equipment & Process
9. Operate and oversee automated cutting tables (e.g., Zünd/Kongsberg or equivalents), roll and flatbed laminators, industrial sewing machines, eyeletting / grommet presses, mounting tables
10. Set up tooling, cut files, registration, and kiss/through-cut parameters; manage maintenance schedules and first-line fixes
11. Standardise finishing methods: trimming, mounting to Foamex/Correx/Dibond, hemming and eyelets, keder/Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG), banner welding/taping, folding/packaging
Quality & Continuous Improvement
12. Implement robust QC checkpoints: dimensional accuracy, edge quality, adhesion, hem strength, colour/finish integrity post-lamination
13. Reduce waste and rework via SOPs, first-article checks, and root-cause analysis
14. Drive throughput and yield improvements; optimise nesting/cut paths and material utilisation
15. Materials & Sustainability
16. Manage stocks of laminates, adhesives, threads, keder, tapes, fixings, and packaging
Must-Have Experience
17. Proven experience managing a finishing department in large format print/signage or display production
18. Hands-on with automated cutting systems, laminators, and industrial sewing machines
19. Strong knowledge of substrates and finishing for: vinyls, fabrics/soft signage, Foamex, Correx, Dibond, tension fabric systems, banners
20. Competent with reading technical drawings, cut files, and production specs; basic CAD/RIP exposure for cut prep is a plus
21. Demonstrable track record of team leadership, scheduling, and H&S compliance