Job Title: Production Management Trainee
Location: San Jose, CA
Department: Production
Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Overview

The Production Management Trainee is a hands-on development role designed to prepare individuals for a future career in production management at BR Printers. Through structured training, mentorship, and on-the-job learning, the trainee will gain exposure to scheduling, workflow management, quality control, safety compliance, and team leadership in a high-volume digital and offset printing environment. This role is ideal for someone looking to grow into a supervisor or manager position over time, while contributing immediately by supporting day-to-day production operations.

Training & Development Focus Areas

Scheduling & Workflow

• Learn how jobs are scheduled from prepress through press and bindery/finishing.
• Support supervisors in tracking schedules, reconciling run times, and identifying workflow conflicts.

Quality Control

• Participate in job checks on the production floor to ensure output meets BR Printers’ standards.
• Learn how defects are identified, escalated, and corrected.

Inventory & Materials Management

• Assist in monitoring paper, ink, and other consumable inventories.
• Learn how material shortages impact scheduling and how Purchasing forecasts supply needs.

Team Leadership

• Shadow supervisors to understand daily crew management.
• Support onboarding and training of new operators or temporary staff.
• Practice giving direction and feedback in partnership with supervisors.

Safety & Compliance

• Participate in OSHA and company safety training programs.
• Assist with safety walks and learn how compliance is documented and enforced.

Reporting & Metrics

• Help track production data such as throughput, downtime, and labor utilization.
• Learn how metrics are used to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

Pay Range: $28–$32 per hour

About BR Printers

BR Printers is a leader in print and digital communications with locations across the U.S. We specialize in high-quality printing, binding, packaging, and fulfillment services that support publishers, brands, and businesses nationwide. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and reliable results in a fast-paced environment. At BR Printers, we value teamwork, continuous improvement, and a culture built on respect and accountability.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in a printing or manufacturing environment, or equivalent transferable skills.
• Interest in developing leadership skills and pursuing a long-term career in production management.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel with advanced skills in formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Strong strategic planning ability. Experience with production planning or inventory systems is a plus
• Print knowledge preferred but not required, training will be provided.

Soft Skills

• Adaptable and agile in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong multitasking ability to manage shifting priorities and multiple workflows.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build relationships across teams.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and learning.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods on the production floor.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and work safely around heavy machinery.

Work Schedule

Full-time role; flexibility required for occasional overtime, evenings, or weekend shifts to support 24/7 production operations.