John Dowd
Simsbury,CT
Summary
Plant operations professional with strong background in optimizing production processes and driving efficiency. Skilled in resource management, process improvement, and safety compliance. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to changing operational needs. Proven track record of achieving results through strategic planning and effective leadership.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Operations Manager
Stratis Printing
Torrington, CT
10.2025 - 12.2025
- Oversaw daily operations of a 53,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant to ensure efficient production processes and adherence to safety standards.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve plant objectives and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.
- Developed training programs for staff, fostering skill development and operational excellence.
Digital Prepress Manager
Stratis Visuals
Torrington, CT
09.2005 - 10.2025
- Partnered with sales teams to create compelling proposals that showcased the company's capabilities, leading to increased business opportunities.
- Streamlined workflow by optimizing file preparation processes, reducing production time and costs.
- Maintained accurate records for all projects, tracking progress from inception to completion.
- Analyzed account workload quantity, complexity and due dates to predict and prevent problems.
- Multi-tasked to keep all assigned projects running effectively and efficiently.
- Examined job orders to determine quantity, stock specifications, colors and special printing instructions.
- Worked closely with team members to maintain high standards of quality and encourage repeat business.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential implementation into existing workflows, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensured equipment maintenance schedules were met, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity levels.
- Collaborated with design teams to develop high-quality artwork, ensuring consistency in branding and messaging.
- Troubleshot technical issues swiftly to maintain smooth operations while minimizing costly delays in project timelines.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure competitive pricing on materials and services, reducing overall expenses.
- Oversaw prepress operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and production timelines.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
- Worked closely with 12-member team to maintain high standards of quality and encourage repeat business.
Digital Prepress Operator
McCoy Printing
Torrington, CT
08.1994 - 09.2005
- Managed workflow schedules to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality.
- Operated and maintained image and plate setters.
- Utilized Adobe software and Fuji XMF software to prepare jobs for color proofs and print.
- Improved print quality by calibrating and maintaining prepress equipment.
- Strengthened client relationships by providing expert consultation on file setup, color management, and other prepress topics to ensure successful print outcomes.
- Played a vital role in the company's growth and success by consistently meeting tight deadlines, maintaining high-quality standards, and championing process improvements that increased overall productivity.
- Operated digital prepress equipment to prepare files for print production.
- Minimized errors in final output by meticulously proofreading all projects before printing.
- Utilized different technologies to ready artwork for digital and offset printing purposes.
- Ensured color accuracy and consistency through meticulous proofing processes.
Education
Graphic Arts - Graphic And Digital Design
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT06.1992
High School Diploma -
Canton High School
Canton, CT06-1988
Skills
- Print production management
- Color management
- Quality control management
- Proofreading accuracy
- Color correction
- Offset printing
- File preparation mastery
- Prepress software proficiency
- Large format printing
- Plate making proficiency
- Layout and imposition
- Preflighting files
- Packaging design
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Time management abilities
- Inventory management
- Color correcting
- Workflow coordination
- Correct files
Timeline
Plant Operations Manager
Stratis Printing
10.2025 - 12.2025
Digital Prepress Manager
Stratis Visuals
09.2005 - 10.2025
Digital Prepress Operator
McCoy Printing
08.1994 - 09.2005
Graphic Arts - Graphic And Digital Design
Central Connecticut State University
High School Diploma -
Canton High School