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Print production manager vs lead operator

The differences between print production managers and lead operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a print production manager and a lead operator. Additionally, a lead operator has an average salary of $88,429, which is higher than the $57,213 average annual salary of a print production manager.

The top three skills for a print production manager include customer service, production schedules and project management. The most important skills for a lead operator are customer service, HR, and process improvement.

Print production manager vs lead operator overview

Print Production ManagerLead Operator
Yearly salary$57,213$88,429
Hourly rate$27.51$42.51
Growth rate3%7%
Number of jobs91,57387,338
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a print production manager do?

The job of a print production manager involves supervising the bid and negotiation process with suppliers and vendors of print jobs. Print production managers are in charge of tasks like sales collateral, seasonal promotions, direct mail, and any other printed media. They are the ones who approve the print production priorities and schedules, budgets, and print specifications. It is their responsibility to ensure the efficiency and reliability of operating the manufacturing processes.

What does a lead operator do?

Lead operators are responsible for the direction and supervision of the day-to-day activities in facilities. As machine operators, they control machines and take charge of industrial operations. They handle and move objects, monitor processes, and inspect materials, structures, and equipment. Also, they may serve as mentors for the new production employees concerning occupational health and safety. They must be skilled in safety procedures, heavy equipment, preventive maintenance, and other things related to machine operations.

Print production manager vs lead operator salary

Print production managers and lead operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Print Production ManagerLead Operator
Average salary$57,213$88,429
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $97,000Between $54,000 And $142,000
Highest paying CityJersey City, NJSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyAppleMeta
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between print production manager and lead operator education

There are a few differences between a print production manager and a lead operator in terms of educational background:

Print Production ManagerLead Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorGraphic DesignBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Print production manager vs lead operator demographics

Here are the differences between print production managers' and lead operators' demographics:

Print Production ManagerLead Operator
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 54.2% Female, 45.8%Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 4.9% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between print production manager and lead operator duties and responsibilities

Print production manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage print production of service manuals for electric hand tools and various in-house print runs.
  • Manage operations of a 15 employee in-house 4/C print shop scheduling and controlling operations within the plant.
  • Manage manufacturing of CD's and DVD's (including purchasing, offset and screen printing, and packaging).
  • Manage a team of production managers and coordinators while performing regularly assign duties.
  • Manage operations of a high-precision machining facility consisting of state-of-the-art CNC machine tools.
  • Improve Rock-Tenn's UV capabilities.
    • Show more

Lead operator example responsibilities.

  • Plan, organize, and lead Kaizen activities as well as managed the cost reduction activities from idea to implementation.
  • Contact potential REO listing brokers achieving the highest return call rate.
  • Create UAT scripts and utilize statistical process controls to manage loan process quality and ensure consistency.
  • Achieve goals in various metrics, from sales to plan, payroll, additional services, print center.
  • Manage and organize incoming records and publications for use on SharePoint.
  • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
    • Show more

Print production manager vs lead operator skills

Common print production manager skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Production Schedules, 9%
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Graphic Design, 5%
  • Press Checks, 4%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 4%
Common lead operator skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • HR, 10%
  • Process Improvement, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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