Utility Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Koozie Group

If our name sounds familiar, there’s a reason why. We’re the people behind the iconic Koozie® Can Kooler – and more! As one of the largest suppliers in the promotional products industry, you’ve probably seen our work everywhere from your local bank to a large concert or sporting event. We imprint company logos and slogans on everything from pens to coffee tumblers, lunch bags, tech accessories, camp chairs, and award-winning calendars, to name just a few. Our desire to benefit our people, customers, communities, and industry is behind all that we do. We call it Keep It. Give It., and it ensures that we are leaving a positive, lasting impact with the products and solutions we deliver. 

We’re looking for the right person to fill this role. Read on if you want to know more and discover how we like to keep the good going ®!

Great reasons to join Koozie Group:

• Climate-controlled environment (clean and heat/air-conditioning)
• Great benefits, including:
  • Medical HSA and HRA plans
  • Flex spending accounts
  • PPO dental
  • VSP vision
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match

Digital Press/Utility Operator

Pay- $24.00 h/r

Schedule- 6A-6P / 6P-6A Rotating Required

Job Description

Our Press Operators are Customer Obsessed and strive to exceed customer expectations with each and every order. Press Operators support manufacturing processes by completing the following tasks: reading and adhering to the job traveler (MFG Order) instructions and steps, inspecting parts and materials, staging orders, operating either LITHO or DIGITAL printing presses; troubleshooting machine operations when needed, conducting preventive maintenance steps, implementing the best practices in manufacturing processes, reporting orders, participating in working safely and adhering to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. Press Operators have manufacturing expertise in color printing, organization, attention to details, time management, effective communication, reporting, and computer competencies.

Our ideal Machine Operator is awesome at the following:

• Strong desire to help and take ownership on seeing things through
• Curious, with a desire to always learn more, including strong problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work as a team member, as well as independently with minimal supervision 
• Effectively communicates, both written and verbally 
• Troubleshoot basic and routine manufacturing issues
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changes quickly 

As a Machine Operator you will:

• Operate single or multi-color printing presses with specific knowledge of lithography and training in ink and water balance, ink density, chemistries, emulsification, four color process concepts and PMS color densities while making decisions regarding which order colors and tacks of ink should be placed for best printability and quality
• Operate digital print equipment including set up and adjustment of feeder, print heads, and delivery by size and thickness
• Perform operator-level maintenance duties on all equipment (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly) and maintain documentation of maintenance
• Accurately reports and records daily production and scrap.
• Achieve make-ready and run times per standard rates
• Communicate to Supervisor and/or MFG Facilitator to address any work area concerns
• Follow all Safety and Quality protocols and adheres to ISO 9001; 14001, 6S standards and Lean processes
• Identify when mechanical or software problems occur 
• Identify problems and troubleshoot software on digital printer
• Lift up to 45-pound boxes frequently. Team lift at higher weights
• Maintain an effective working relationship and communication with fellow employees, including temporary associates, by adhering to Koozie Group’s policies in all activities and through promoting the Company’s Vision and Values and Respect in the Workplace
• Reach, bend, twist, push, pull, grasp and stand for extended periods of time as well as move about the facility as needed for the position
• Read and follow all Manufacturing Order (MOs) directions
• Report time accurately
• Set up machine and operates it according to Work Instructions and operator manual
• Support teamwork and process improvements through active participation in meetings and helping team ideas work
• Understand digital outputs and ads
• Visually inspect product to complete required quality checks
• Work rotating shifts and overtime as scheduled and/or required to meet business timelines
• Wrap, band, tag and/or move skids of product

Minimum qualifications:

• Reading, writing and math skills equivalent to a HS Diploma or GED.
• Experience in 5S and Lean Manufacturing
• Understand basic manufacturing process 
• Able to work with multiple priorities and people
• Maintain inventory storage in a clean, orderly manner
• Strong attention to detail, organization and time management skills
• Ability to professionally communicate and work with others
• Ability to reach, bend, twist, grasp and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work overtime hours including weekend hours to meet customer needs
• Must have visual color acuity to ensure color density and registration is correct.
• 1 year experience as a machine operator in a Manufacturing and Production environment

Preferred qualifications

• 2-3 years Machine operation experience including set up; maintenance and troubleshooting automated machines 
• Printing experience with previous operation of large format multi-color process printing
• Degree or apprenticeship in press operation, mechatronics, mechanics, or other technical trade involving automated equipment

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm to keep the good going®, you will find your way at Koozie Group.

Koozie Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Koozie Group also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Koozie Group will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.