Esko Repro Operator - Labels & Flexible Packaging
Leeds | Full-Time | Permanent
**Please note that salary is dependent on experience**
Help Build One of the UK's Most Advanced Colour-Managed Packaging Workflows
OPM Labels & Packaging Group is an award-winning family-owned manufacturer specialising in labels, flexible packaging and pouch production for leading brands across pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal care, beverage and specialist sectors.
As part of a major investment programme, we are expanding our studio and pre-press capability and are seeking an experienced Esko Repro Operator to join our growing team in Leeds.
This is far more than a traditional artwork role.
You will be working at the centre of a significant programme of investment that includes:
- Esko Automation Engine
- Esko WebCenter
- GMG OpenColor
- GMG ColorProof
- Expanded Colour Gamut (ECG) printing
- WebCenter Workflow automation
- Digital printing technologies
- Advanced flexographic packaging production
- Label and flexible packaging
- Pouch conversion
For the right candidate this is a unique opportunity to become involved in the implementation and optimisation of one of the UK's most advanced colour-managed packaging workflows.
The Role
Working within our Studio and Pre-Press team, you will be responsible for creating, preparing, proofing and managing artwork and repro files across labels, flexible packaging, sachets and pouch applications.
You will ensure artwork is technically correct, print-ready and fully compliant with customer requirements while supporting automation, colour management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and reproing customer artwork using Esko software
- Managing packaging artwork for labels, films, sachets and pouches
- Building and maintaining workflows within Esko Automation Engine
- Producing high-quality contract proofs using GMG systems
- Supporting colour management and ECG implementation projects
- Ensuring barcode verification and artwork compliance
- Liaising with internal teams and suppliers
- Supporting workflow automation and process improvement initiatives
- Assisting with print quality optimisation and troubleshooting
- Maintaining artwork standards and version control
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Experience within packaging artwork or reprographics
- Strong knowledge of Esko software and packaging workflows
- Experience using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat
- Excellent attention to detail
- Good understanding of print processes and colour reproduction
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Desirable:
- Experience with Esko Automation Engine
- Experience with GMG OpenColor and GMG ColorProof
- Knowledge of Flexographic printing
- Experience with colour management workflows
- ECG (Expanded Colour Gamut) knowledge
- Label and flexible packaging experience
- Understanding of packaging regulations and artwork compliance
- Additional training will be provided by OPM if there are knowledge gaps but you have a can do attitude and a willingness to learn
Why Join OPM?
At OPM, we believe investment in people must match investment in technology.
Recent investments include:
- New BOBST flexible packaging press technology
- Karlville pouch converting systems
- Domino N610i digital printing capability
- Advanced colour management infrastructure
- Esko workflow automation platforms
- GMG Expanded Colour Gamut (ECG) implementation projects
We are creating a highly automated, colour-controlled manufacturing environment, and this role will play a key part in shaping its future.
In return, we offer:
- Competitive salary
- Career progression opportunities
- Ongoing Esko and GMG training provided
- Exposure to leading-edge packaging technologies
- Independent Family-owned business
- Long-term growth and business stability
- Opportunity to influence future workflow development
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Onsite GYM
- Onsite Parking.
About OPM Labels & Packaging Group
Established for over 50 years, OPM Labels & Packaging Group manufactures labels, flexible packaging and pouches for some of the UK's most recognised brands and specialist product companies worldwide.
Our commitment to investment, quality, innovation and customer service has helped us become one of the UK's leading independent packaging manufacturers.
If you're passionate about packaging technology, colour management, workflow automation and helping shape the future of print production, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of OPM's next chapter.
Pay: From £27,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Leeds LS12 6TG: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)
Experience:
- ESKO: 3 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
