Web Offset press Operator (First Press)

About the Role

Quad is seeking an experienced Web Offset Press Operator (First Press) to join our Hartford manufacturing team. In this leadership role, you'll operate and maintain advanced web offset printing equipment while leading press crews to achieve safety, quality, and production goals. You'll oversee press performance, troubleshoot equipment, mentor team members, and drive continuous improvement in one of North America's largest commercial printing operations.

Every day, millions of people see the products we produce—from magazines and catalogs to retail advertising, direct mail, and other printed products. At Quad, you'll work with advanced technology, produce high-quality printed materials, and build a long-term career with a company that invests in its people.

Hartford is one of Quad's largest manufacturing campuses and an important part of our nationwide production network. Here, you'll work with advanced printing technology while supporting the production of magazines, catalogs, and retail advertising products seen across the country. As home to our CRT ink manufacturing division, Hartford is also a center for innovation and continuous improvement, making it an exciting place to build a manufacturing career with room to grow.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain web offset presses and auxiliary equipment.
• Lead and direct press crew members to achieve production, quality, and safety goals.
• Perform press set-ups, make-readies, and routine maintenance procedures.
• Troubleshoot press, folder, reel, stacker, and related equipment to minimize downtime.
• Maintain proper ink and water balance while monitoring color consistency, registration, and print quality.
• Read and interpret job tickets, customer specifications, and production requirements.
• Coordinate maintenance activities and communicate equipment needs.
• Maintain production records, downtime documentation, and quality reports.
• Promote and support safety initiatives, 6S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Train, mentor, and develop pressroom team members.
• Collaborate with supervisors and cross-functional teams to improve productivity and performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous commercial printing press operating experience is required.
• Experience operating web offset presses is preferred. Candidates with experience operating sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure, or other commercial printing press platforms are encouraged to apply.
• Experience operating Harris, Heidelberg, Goss, Manroland, or similar presses is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of offset printing processes, color management, registration, ink distribution, and print quality standards.
• Experience troubleshooting web breaks, tension systems, folders, and related press equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to train, mentor, and develop team members.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets, production specifications, and work instructions.
• Basic math skills related to press operations.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to safely perform job duties, follow work instructions, and communicate effectively with team members.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating schedule, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require.

Pay & Schedule

• Starting at $25.00 / hour or more, based on relevant experience and work history.
• Paid relocation available for qualified candidates relocating from 100+ miles away.
• 12-hour compressed work schedule (3/4 or 4/3 rotation), working only 182 days per year while maintaining full-time pay and benefits.

Benefits

• 12-hour compressed work schedule—work only 182 days per year while maintaining full-time pay and benefits.
• On-site fitness center to support your health and wellness.
• On-site medical clinic for convenient access to healthcare.
• Climate-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Opportunities to work with some of the most advanced web offset printing technology in North America.
• Career growth and advancement across press operations, maintenance, quality, engineering, and leadership.
• Comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, and holidays.