Offset Sheetfed Press Operator, Team Lead

Responsibilities

• Run the start-of-shift huddle: safety alerts, job priorities, quality focus points, and resource assignments.
• Cook up crew assignments across Heidelberg presses based on job complexity, skills, and priorities.
• Be the first responder for technical issues (registration, color, web/sheet handling, marking, scumming, streaking, roller settings).
• Oversee shift handoff communications and ensure complete documentation in job travelers/press logs.
• Keep efficient make-ready practices: plate mounting, blanket/cylinder checks, ink/water balance, wash-ups, changeovers.
• Validate imposition, plates, substrates, and ink sets before release to production; escalate discrepancies to Prepress/Planning.
• Achieve/maintain color standards (densities, ΔE, gray balance, G7 targets where applicable) and document results.
• Maintain documentation and traceability (lot/batch tracking for inks/substrates, line clearance, label control) as required by customers and, where applicable, GMP/ISO standards.
• Conduct and enforce operator PMs (roller care, blankets, filters, lubrication, wash systems) and escalate issues for maintenance.
• Verify tooling and consumables readiness (plates, blankets, fountain solution, pressroom chemistry, wash rags, spray powder).
• Support root cause analysis for downtime, quality defects, or repeat issues; drive corrective actions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in offset lithography with Heidelberg sheetfed (e.g., Speedmaster) or equivalent presses.
• Demonstrated proficiency in make-ready, color management, and troubleshooting on multi-color presses (aqueous/UV coatings a plus).
• Strong understanding of substrates, ink/water balance, coatings, and pressroom chemistry.
• Ability to read job tickets, color standards, proofs, and prepress documentation (plates/impositions).
• Proven leadership in a working lead or senior operator capacity—coaching, prioritizing, and communicating.
• Basic PC skills; comfort with press consoles, data entry, and quality recording systems.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 50 lbs; manual handling of paper, plates, blankets.
• Work in a production environment with inks, coatings, solvents, noise; required use of PPE.
• Ability to work assigned shift schedule, overtime, and weekends as needed.