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Position: Sign Writer & Digital Printer
Location: East Sussex
  
Company Overview
Our Client is a leading provider of high-quality print and signage solutions based in East Sussex. Serving both local and regional clients, they specialise in a wide range of products, including banners, vehicle graphics, exhibition stands, and bespoke display materials. They have modern facility that is equipped with industry-leading machinery—such as Mimaki and Canon large-format printers, Canon digital presses, Melco embroidery/heat-press units—to ensure they deliver outstanding print quality and service on every project
  
Role Overview
The Sign Writer/Digital Printer will play a pivotal role in our Production department, responsible for preparing, operating, and maintaining digital printing and finishing equipment used to create signage, vehicle graphics, and various promotional/display assets. The successful candidate will work closely with the Production Manager and the wider team to interpret customer briefs, prepare artwork for print, oversee production workflows, and ensure all jobs meet our rigorous quality and lead-time standards.
  
Key Responsibilities

Artwork Preparation & Pre-Press:
o Interpret client specifications and convert design files (e.g., Adobe CS including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign) into production-ready formats.
o Perform colour profiling, file checks (bleeds, resolution, colour spaces), and imposition when required.
Digital Printing & Signage Production:
o Operate Mimaki large-format UV printers and Canon V-Series digital presses. To produce banners, posters, window graphics, and other signage. Smaller format for business cards, flyers and booklets.
o Carry out vinyl cutting, laminating, and mounting processes (preparing substrates such as PVC, Foamex, Dibond, Correx, etc.) to create finished signs.
o Execute vehicle graphic installations, including application of vinyl to cars, vans, and fleet vehicles, ensuring alignment, adhesion, and wrinkle-free finishes.
Equipment Maintenance & Housekeeping:
o Perform routine maintenance (printhead cleaning, ink checks, cutter blade replacements, temperature calibration) on printing and finishing machinery.
o Maintain a clean, organised production area (including safe storage of media rolls, inks, and consumables), adhering to health & safety protocols.
Quality Control & Problem-Solving:
o Conduct thorough inspections of printed output (colour accuracy, registration, edge bleed) and installed graphics (alignment, adhesion).
o Troubleshoot common production issues (banding, colour shifts, bubbling under vinyl) and make necessary adjustments to workflows or equipment settings.
Client Liaison & Scheduling:
o Communicate effectively with the Sales and Account Management teams to clarify job specifications, lead times, and delivery/installation windows.
o Prioritise and schedule print runs to meet customer deadlines, escalating any potential delays to management in advance. Required Skills & Experience

Sign Writing & Digital Printing Expertise:
o Minimum of 2–3 years’ hands-on experience operating large-format printers, vinyl cutters, laminators, and/or direct-to-garment machines in a commercial print or signage environment.
o Proven ability to apply vehicle graphics, including contour cutting and heat-application techniques, ensuring durable and visually flawless results.
Software Proficiency:
o Confident user of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), or equivalent vector-based design tools for pre-press preparation.
o Familiarity with RIP software (e.g., RasterLink) to manage colour separation, nesting, and print queues.
Technical & Mechanical Aptitude:
o Strong understanding of substrate types (PVC, vinyl, Foamex, Dibond, acrylic, etc.) and how each behaves during print, cutting, and installation processes.
o Able to perform basic printhead alignments, media loading, and calibrations, as well as timely replacement of blades and print consumables.
Attention to Detail & Quality Focus:
o Meticulous approach to colour matching, edge alignment, and finishing to ensure a high standard of workmanship.
o Ability to spot faults early (e.g., banding, blemishes, application bubbles) and rectify them before final delivery or installation.
Physical Requirements:
o Comfortable lifting and handling large print media rolls, substrate boards (Foamex, Correx, Dibond), and completed signage (some items can be bulky or heavy).
o Willingness to work on-site occasionally for vehicle installations or large format sign placements, including using ladders or scissor lifts where necessary.
Communication & Teamwork:
o Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise with internal teams (Sales, Design, Installation) and occasionally with end clients on-site.
o Collaborative mindset, able to support colleagues in fast-paced production periods and adapt to changing priorities.   Desirable Qualifications & Attributes

Recognised vocational qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2/3 in Print, Signmaking, or Graphics) or equivalent apprenticeship experience.
Valid UK driving licence (clean, with no more than 3 points) to safely travel to local installation sites.
IPAF/CSCS certification or willingness to obtain training for working at height (e.g., using cherry pickers or scissor lifts).
Knowledge of embroidery or direct-to-garment printing processes is a plus, as our clients sometimes require branded workwear and personalised apparel
Good time-management skills and the ability to thrive under tight deadlines, particularly during peak seasons (e.g., exhibition events, local festivals). Working Hours & Conditions

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (occasional early starts or late finishes when managing urgent jobs).
Overtime: Available on request (paid at a competitive overtime rate) during busy periods (e.g., last-minute event signage).
Environment: Production area with large-format printing equipment—requires use of PPE (gloves, safety glasses) when handling chemicals (solvent inks, adhesives).
Travel: Some local travel to client sites (vehicles provided or mileage reimbursed) for installations or on-site consultations.   Benefits

Competitive salary, DOE, reviewed annually with potential for performance-based increases.
Pension scheme with employer contributions.
22 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with length of service.
Training opportunities to develop skills on new printing technologies and software.
Company-sponsored social events and team-building activities.
Staff discount on products and services. How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV to (url removed) :

A current CV detailing relevant experience in sign writing and digital printing.
A brief cover letter highlighting your most notable projects (e.g., vehicle graphics, large-format banners, event graphics). Please email your application in the first instance to (url removed)