Lead Offset Press Operator

About This Role

The Lead Press Operator will perform manual and machine operator tasks for printing presses, ensuring setup, maintenance, and operation to produce high-quality printed materials. This role involves leading a team of press operators and maintaining safety and efficiency in the pressroom.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret job ticket instructions and direct press setup accordingly
• Make jobs press-ready by running sets to adjust print quality, registration, and color settings
• Perform pre-run inspections, obtain supervisor approval, and run jobs to completion
• Achieve color accuracy prior to requesting supervisor color approval
• Monitor offsetting and load temperatures for various printed substrates
• Observe and monitor press operations to detect malfunctions and determine necessary adjustments
• Accurately follow all job and process instructions
• Monitor pH and conductivity of fountain solution and all press-related chemistry
• Complete all required documentation including shop floor entries, job logs, sheet counts, and running sequences
• Supervise and train press feeders and second press operators on multi-color printing processes
• Perform preventative maintenance including lubrication, cleaning, minor adjustments, and replacement of small parts and rollers
• Follow all safety policies and oversee crew safety, including MSDS, Lockout/Tagout, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials

Requirements

• Strong color perception; must pass color hue and color vision tests
• Minimum of five years of manufacturing experience performing First Press Operator duties on sheet-fed equipment comparable to Heidelberg
• CP2000 console knowledge
• Experience using color scanning equipment
• Experience working with plastic substrates
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals
• Basic computer skills including data entry
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Ability to read a ruler
• Ability to operate densitometers, spectrophotometers, calculators, computer terminals, gloss meters, pH/conductivity meters, and other printing equipment
• Ability to work in and around UV (ultra-violet) materials
• Reliable attendance

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of manufacturing experience performing First Press Operator duties on sheet-fed equipment comparable to Heidelberg

Skills

* Required skills