Lead Sheetfed Offset Press Operator (Paperboard Packaging)

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Sheetfed Offset Press Operator (Paperboard Packaging)

Picture your first hour on shift: you review the job ticket, pull the save sheet, confirm specs against proofs and LSDs, and brief your crew. Moments later, ink keys are dialed in, registration is locked, and the scanning densitometer verifies color is on target. The press hums, waste stays low, and your team moves as one. That’s a typical start when you lead our multi-unit, multi-color offset press line.

For more than two and a half centuries, Oliver Inc. has combined multiple production sites, advanced technology, and a sustainability mindset to deliver fast, consistent, and agile printing and packaging solutions. Our culture prizes passion, respect, creativity, and customer success—partner with us, and you’re partnering with a team that loves the craft of print.

• Own safe, high-quality paperboard packaging output that matches customer specs for color accuracy, registration, and overall print fidelity.
• Preflight each job: review orders, proofs, save sheets, LSDs, and production specifications before makeready.
• Set up, adjust, and run a multi-color sheetfed offset press; maintain ink/water balance and consistent image positioning.
• Direct a press team (2nd Pressman and Feeder): assign tasks, motivate, and coach in real time.
• Control color using proofs, LSDs, densitometry, and scanning densitometers when applicable.
• Continuously monitor performance; fine-tune for throughput and quality while minimizing waste.
• Inspect output throughout the run; correct issues related to print quality, registration, or mechanical performance.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process problems; implement corrective actions.
• Manage materials responsibly: track consumption, reduce spoilage, and return unused stock appropriately.
• Identify and segregate nonconforming product and communicate findings.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs to keep uptime high.
• Complete production documentation—quantities, material usage, and all required run records.
• Retain qualifying Save Sheets for every production run and ensure proper line clearance between jobs.
• Collaborate with the Director of Print Technologies to elevate quality, productivity, and manufacturing processes.
• Provide performance feedback on crew members and take on additional duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED; fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Comfort with math (fractions/decimals) and accurate color vision/discrimination.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• At least 2 years as a Lead Pressman running multi-color offset with high-quality 4-color process work (5+ years preferred).
• Proven leadership of a press crew—coaching, development, and clear communication.
• Deep knowledge of offset fundamentals: ink/water balance, color control/management, and tight registration.
• Mitsubishi press experience preferred; experience in paperboard packaging, UV inks, in-line coating, and handheld/scanning densitometers preferred.
• Spectrophotometer exposure is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to prioritize and make sound decisions.
• Detail-driven, quality-obsessed, and passionate about continuous improvement.

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.
• Stability and growth in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on time with advanced offset equipment (including Mitsubishi).
• Clear paths for advancement and ongoing training.
• Safety-first, collaborative culture.

• Packaging experience.
• Sheet-fed offset printing expertise.
• 4-color process production.

If guiding a high-performing press crew while producing industry-leading paperboard packaging excites you, we want to meet you.

Oliver Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, citizenship status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.