Print Shop - Lead Operator - 1st Shift

Job Title

Shift Lead Print Operator

Job Description

As a shift lead print operator, you will be operating and maintaining printing equipment to produce high-quality printed materials in accordance with production schedules and quality standards. This role includes setting up jobs, monitoring print runs, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting basic equipment issues, and ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and workplace safety throughout the printing process.

Responsibilities

Your duties will include:

• Operate, set up, and continuously optimize major print and finishing equipment.
• Monitor production throughout each job. Ensuring adherence to job specs (color accuracy, substrate alignment, finishing quality) and timely completion.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, material or workflow issues immediately to minimize downtime and waste.
• Ensure all pre-flighting preparation and printing of print jobs meet customer's specifications.
• Own end-to-end workflow: from job receipt, file prep, schedule/planning, production, finishing/packaging, to staging/shipping.
• Develop, document and refine standard operating procedures, quality checkpoints, equipment maintenance schedules, and work-flows scalable for growth.
• Implement quality assurance routines: inspect output at key phases, log defects, review waste metrics, propose and implement corrective measures.
• Manage consumables and materials (inks, media, laminates, tapes, finishing supplies) track inventory levels, reorder as needed, maintain supplier relationships.
• Coordinate service and vendor support as required to keep production running smoothly.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King's Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Qualifications

Essential qualities for success include:

• At least 15 years of print production experience required or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Demonstrated experience operating large format/industrial printing equipment, finishing tools and managing workflow in a production environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, attention to detail, and high standards for print/finish quality.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to train, motivate, and lead others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Able to lift 50 lbs, stand long hours, and work in a production/print shop environment (including noise, chemicals, etc).
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00 per hour. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws.