Pad Printer

Wilmot Harvey; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Product samples

Uniforms

Digital tools

Onboarding & training

Work-life balance

Job summary

Wilmot Harvey in Melbourne seeks a meticulous printer operator to run pad printing machinery, mix inks to Pantone specs, and ensure high-quality results for branded products.

You’ll install and maintain plates, monitor runs, and carry out quality checks while supporting a safe, efficient production flow. Strong colour vision, communication, and reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating pad printing machines (1–2 years preferred).
• Ink mixing, colour matching and ink-substrate compatibility knowledge.
• Attention to detail and keen eye for colour/print quality.
• Ability to read and interpret artwork proofs and work orders.
• Strong numeracy and communication skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Understanding of workplace health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Run the machines: set up, operate and monitor pad printing machines for consistent prints.
• Nail the colour: mix inks to Pantone specs and verify against artwork.
• Prep like a pro: install/clean plates, pads and ink cups for each run.
• Protect quality: perform first-off approvals and routine quality checks.
• Solve problems: fix smudges, misregistration or colour issues early.
• Keep things moving: maintain job sheets and production records; observe WHS.

Skills

Pad printing

Ink mixing

Colour matching

Reading specs

Numeracy

WHS awareness

Communication

Job description

You've got a steady hand, a sharp eye and zero tolerance for smudges.

You get a kick out of turning blank products into branded pieces people are proud to put their name on. You're methodical, quality-minded and the first to spot a colour that's slightly off or a print that could be better.

You're ready to take ownership of your machines, share your know-how with the team and be part of a company with 50 years of heritage and a reputation for getting it right the first time.

What’s in it for you

A print department to make your own.

Work with a fantastic team in a great culture and enjoy your work life balance.

Competitive base salary + entitlements.

Product samples, uniforms, and digital tools to set you up for success.

Supportive team culture with onboarding, training, and room to grow.

A chance to represent a company that’s been proudly supplying Australian retailers for almost five decades.

What you’ll do

• Run the machines: set up, operate and monitor pad printing machines to deliver consistent, high-quality prints across a range of products
• Nail the colour: mix and match inks to Pantone and customer specifications, and check every job against approved artwork
• Prep like a pro: install and clean printing plates (clichés), pads and ink cups so every run starts right
• Protect quality: carry out first-off approvals and regular checks throughout production, and run adhesion and durability tests when required
• Solve problems: spot and fix issues like smudging, misregistration, poor adhesion or inconsistent colour before they become costly
• Keep things moving: maintain accurate job sheets and production records, look after your machines, and work with the team to hit deadlines safely, following all WHS procedures for inks, solvents and chemicals

Who we’re looking for

We’re after someone who can balance independence with connection. Someone who knows how to manage their time, communicate clearly, and make a strong impression.

Must-haves:

• Previous experience operating pad printing machines (1–2 years preferred). Screen printing knowledge is also acceptable.
• Knowledge of ink mixing, colour matching and ink-substrate compatibility
• Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for colour and print quality
• Ability to read and interpret job specifications, artwork proofs and work orders
• Good basic numeracy and communication skills
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks
• Understanding of workplace health and safety practices

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in a manufacturing, promotional products or screen printing environment
• Familiarity with both open-cup and sealed-cup pad printing systems
• Experience with plate making or pre-press processes

About Wilmot Harvey

With 50 years of history, Wilmot Harvey is a proud Australian-owned business and one of the nation’s leading distributors of souvenirs and promotional merchandise. We’re known for quality, service, and a personal approach that’s stood the test of time. Our products are found in cultural centres, visitor hubs, gift shops, airports, and iconic destinations right across the country.

Wilmot Harvey is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce.