Lead Prepress Operator

American Packaging Corporation (APC) is the leading flexible packaging converter in North America, offering competitive salaries, excellent benefits, 401(k) plans, tuition reimbursement, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.

Location & Shift

Columbus, WI – 1st shift

Summary

The Prepress Lead prepares and stages press or laminator jobs, leads shift Prepress personnel, retrieves and interprets the daily production schedule, and ensures all tasks are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with SOPs and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate on‑the‑job training and instruction for team members on proper tool and equipment use, safety, and operating procedures.
• Actively participate in the SPOT Safety Program and adhere to all safety guidelines to help achieve a zero‑accident rate.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert in developing, understanding, and following Standard Operating Procedures and training documentation.
• Print and interpret each job’s Job Jacket, Print Specification, and Manufacturing Specification and deliver them to the press.
• Retrieve the daily production schedule, identify job priorities and quantities, and act on the information.
• Detect, report, and resolve missing or substandard machine parts.
• Use an automated storage system terminal to retrieve and return cylinders and anilox rolls.
• Assemble and transport print cylinders and aniloxes between the printing press and prepress departments.
• Place cylinders on the assembly table and install gears and journals.
• Install pans, applicator pipes, end shields, splash guards, and cylinders into carriage units.
• Return units to prepress, remove parts, clean cylinders, and store them back in the storage system after a run.
• Assist with press set‑ups as needed.
• Perform miscellaneous housekeeping and cleaning duties.
• Complete required reports and paperwork using a computer terminal.
• Carry out scheduled cleaning tasks (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Obtain Power Industrial Truck license(s), load/unload trucks at the shipping dock, and complete paperwork to track cylinder movement.
• Complete PSM training and perform all work in the washroom as required.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers across all shifts.
• Attend and participate in all company‑mandated meetings.
• Travel for business as required.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Associate or Bachelor’s degree (A.A./B.S.) or equivalent relevant work history, combined with at least one year of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, technical procedures, and regulations; write reports, correspondence, and manuals; and present information to managers, clients, and the public.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate discounts, interest, commissions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and apply basic algebra and geometry.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, draw valid conclusions, and interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.

Physical Demands

The role requires regular use of hands for handling, frequent sitting and reaching with hands and arms, occasional standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and manual lifting of up to 50 lb (subject to department‑specific lifting restrictions).

Work Environment

The position involves working in a manufacturing setting with typical industrial conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401(k) retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity