A method is provided for managing a print job in a distributed printing system including a first printing system having a first default operating mode with a first rated output and a second printing system having a second default operating mode with a second rated output. The method includes determining that the second printing system has the capability to operate in an adjusted operating mode with an effective output that differs from either the first rated output or the second rated output. In practice the print job is split into first and second job portions in such a way that when (a) both the first and second print job portions are communicated to the distributed printing arrangement, (b) the first print job portion is printed at the first printing system in the first default operating mode, and (c) the second print job portion is printed at the second printing system in the adjusted operating mode, printing of the first and second print job portions end substantially simultaneously.