The Finishing Manager for the Varnishing and Foiling department is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing value-added solutions that enhance customer offerings, improve profitability and differentiate SA Litho Label Printers in the lithographic label printing market. The role bridges customer needs, production capabilities, and innovation to drive sustainable growth and long-term client partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Value & Solutions

• Identify opportunities to add value through innovative print solutions, substrates, finishes, embellishments, and process improvements.
• Work closely with the production department to understand brand, quality, compliance, and cost requirements, translating these into practical print solutions.
• Support key accounts by proposing enhancements that improve shelf appeal, functionality, and cost efficiency.

Commercial & Strategic Support

• Collaborate with Sales, Production, and technical teams to develop competitive value propositions.
• Assist in pricing strategies by clearly articulating the value of enhancements and innovations.
• Contribute to new product development and market differentiation initiatives within the label division.

Quality & Process Alignment

• Ensure value-added offerings align with quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
• Act as a link between Quality, Production, and Sales to ensure expectations are clearly understood and delivered.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiencies, and enhance output quality.

Market & Trend Awareness

• Stay informed on industry trends, materials, technologies, and customer expectations within lithographic label printing.
• Benchmark competitors and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of lithographic printing processes, label production, and finishing techniques.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to demonstrate return on value, not just cost.
• Problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Experience & Qualifications

• Relevant qualification and experience in Label printing and finishing.
• 10 to 15 years of proven work experience within the label printing (lithography) packaging industry.
• Experience working with customers, sales teams, and production environments.