1st Pressman/Lead Operator

About the Company:

At Japs-Olson (JO), we believe a career should be more than a job-it should be an opportunity to create a lasting impression. As a trusted leader in direct mail and commercial printing for over a century, JO is proud to be an employer of choice in the Twin Cities, empowering our team to solve problems creatively within a culture of collaboration and growth.

Whether you're a recent graduate eager to launch your career, seeking meaningful work that aligns with your values, or a seasoned professional ready to share your expertise, JO is a place where your contributions can make a difference. We offer competitive benefits, career advancement opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, all within a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to grow and succeed.

Join JO, where progress is celebrated, people are uplifted, and your ideas can make a difference every day.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a 1st Pressman to join our night shift team, working from 6 PM to 6 AM for 3 to 4 days per week. In this role, you would be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining commercial web presses while ensuring top-quality output. This role oversees make-readies and production runs, and ensures jobs are completed safely, efficiently, and to customer specifications.


Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Lead all press setups, including mounting plates, adjusting registration, setting ink keys, and bringing jobs up to color.
• Make all final quality decisions on color, registration, density, and overall appearance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, print quality, or material issues during runs.
• Direct the 2nd Pressman and roll tenders in job tasks and workflow.
• Perform advanced press adjustments, calibrations, and routine maintenance.
• Maintain production pace while minimizing spoilage and waste.
• Complete required job tickets, quality checks, and production reports.
• Communicate with supervisors, scheduling, and quality on job progress and concerns.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a lead operator on commercial web presses, with the ability to run jobs from setup through completion.
• Experience with Heidelberg and Goss Web Presses strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions on press operation, color quality, registration, and overall output.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience performing press adjustments, calibrations, and routine maintenance.
• Leadership skills to direct and train 2nd pressmen, roll tenders, and material sorters ensuring efficient teamwork and workflow.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly troubleshoot press or print quality issues.
• High attention to detail and commitment to meeting customer specifications and quality standards.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while minimizing spoilage and maximizing productivity.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with supervisors, scheduling, and quality teams.

Benefits:

• Affordable medical insurance plans
• Vision and dental insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• 401(k) savings plan with company contributions
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Short and long-term disability

JO is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Due to the nature of the manufacturing environment, Japs-Olson Company considers this position to be safety-sensitive position. All job offers are conditional based on satisfying a 9-panel drug screening and physical test in accordance with the Drug Testing in the Workplace Act.

The pay range listed reflects typical compensation based on market data, generally between the 25th and 75th percentile for similar roles. Where you land within that range depends on your experience, skills, and qualifications. Our recruiters will keep you in the loop throughout the process, so you know where you stand. We're committed to fair and open conversations every step of the way.