Print Shop - Lead Operator - 1st Shift

Responsibilities

• Operate, set up, and continuously optimize major print and finishing equipment.
• Maintain production throughout each job, ensuring adherence to job specs (color accuracy, substrate alignment, finishing quality).
• Troubleshoot mechanical, material or workflow issues immediately to minimize downtime and waste.
• Ensure all pre-flighting preparation and printing of print jobs meet customer’s specifications.
• Own end-to-end workflow: from job receipt, file prep, schedule/planning, production, finishing/packaging, to staging/shipping.
• Develop, document and refine standard operating procedures, quality checkpoints, equipment maintenance schedules, and workflows scalable for growth.
• Implement quality assurance routines: inspect output at key phases, log defects, review waste metrics, propose and implement corrective measures.
• Manage consumables and materials (inks, media, laminates, tapes, finishing supplies), track inventory levels, reorder as needed, maintain supplier relationships.
• Cook up and coordinate service and vendor support as required to keep production running smoothly.
• Participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of print production experience required or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Demonstrated experience operating large format/industrial printing equipment, finishing tools and managing workflow in a production environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, attention to detail, and high standards for print/finish quality.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to train, motivate, and lead others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.