Press Operator III

About the role

We are seeking a Press Operator III (Lead Operator) to lead pressroom operations on shift and ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct pressroom personnel; coordinate daily assignments and staffing;
• Manage workflow to meet production schedules;
• Provide clear shift handoffs and communicate priorities;
• Oversee press setup, make-ready, and production runs;
• Maintain on-time production while meeting quality and waste targets;
• Identify bottlenecks and drive corrective actions;
• Ensure efficient use of materials and consumables;
• Coach, guide, and train operators on the floor;
• Reinforce operating standards; support skill development and cross-training;
• Promote and enforce safety procedures, PPE, and machine guarding;
• Maintain a clean, hazard-free work area;
• Report incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions promptly;
• Complete accurate shift reports and downtime tracking;
• Communicate production status and risks;
• Cookordination with maintenance and support teams to sustain production flow.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership and strong organizational/decision-making skills;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and perform effectively in a fast-paced production environment;
• Mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting skills;
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, including accurate shift reporting;
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail/quality;
• Working knowledge of production scheduling systems (Goss, MPS/ABB, Newsway preferred).

Qualifications

• Availability to work rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a lead operator or shift lead in a pressroom or comparable manufacturing environment;
• Hands-on experience with press production systems (e.g., Goss, MPS/ABB, Newsway);
• Demonstrated ability to reduce downtime, waste, and rework through process discipline and troubleshooting.

Work Schedule

This position supports a production environment and may require rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Requires prolonged standing and walking, stair climbing on a multi-level press structure, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 2,000 lbs. (pallet jack assisted).
• Work is performed in an industrial pressroom environment with exposure to noise and heat; ability to work safely in confined areas is required.
• Color vision is required.