Web Offset press Operator (First Press)

About the role

Quad is seeking an experienced Web Offset Press Operator (First Press) to join its Hartford, WI manufacturing team. In this leadership role, you will operate and maintain advanced web offset printing equipment, lead press crews to achieve safety, quality, and production goals, and support the production of magazines, catalogs, and retail advertising seen across the country.

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.

Requirements

• 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 web offset presses is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Paid relocation assistance for qualified candidates relocating more than 100 miles.
• 12-hour compressed work schedule – work only 182 days per year while maintaining full