Print Operator No1

Devonshire; London Borough of Barking and Dagenham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance

Ongoing training & development

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Paragon is seeking an experienced No. 1 Printer for a 3 x Night Continental Shift to lead the print production team. You will set up, operate, and maintain high-performance Heidelberg presses to deliver quality work while maximizing efficiency.

You will work with Heidelberg XL106 CutStar and XL106 10-colour presses, ensuring all jobs meet customer expectations. The role requires leadership of the No. 2 Printer and adherence to ISMS and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Experience operating commercial lithographic presses as a No. 1 Printer.
• Experience with Heidelberg XL106 CutStar presses.
• Strong understanding of print quality, colour control and production processes.
• Experience supervising a No. 2 Printer in a production environment.
• Flexible with shift work and overtime requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up and run printing presses for optimum production, quality and efficiency.
• Communicate production issues and machine performance with the Printing Manager.
• Maintain accurate job files and production records for each job.
• Collaborate with the No. 2 Printer and production team to meet targets.
• Adhere to quality, safety, and procedural standards and keep environments clean.

Skills

No.1 Printer experience

Heidelberg press operation

Shift pattern flexibility

Team leadership

Quality control

Tools

Heidelberg XL106 CutStar

Heidelberg XL106 10-colour

Heidelberg XL6-colour with coating

Navision

DigiQ

Job description

Reports To: Printing Manager

Direct Reports: No. 2 Printer

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced No. 1 Printer to join our print production team on a 3 x Night Continental Shift pattern. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining high-performance printing presses to produce work to the highest quality standards while maximising efficiency and productivity.

This role involves operating Heidelberg XL106 CutStar 10-colour presses and Heidelberg XL 6-colour presses with coating units, ensuring all jobs are completed accurately, safely, and in line with company procedures and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and run printing presses to achieve optimum production performance, quality, and efficiency.
• Communicate effectively with the Printing Manager regarding production issues, machine performance, or any operational concerns.
• Produce and maintain file copies to the highest standard, ensuring all copies are clearly identified and correctly recorded for each job.
• Work collaboratively with the No. 2 Printer and wider production team to ensure quality, accuracy, and output targets are achieved.
• Monitor and adhere to all company processes and procedures, including quality control standards, production documentation, and time/date recording requirements.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support shift patterns, overtime, and changing production demands.
• Carry out routine machine maintenance and identify any maintenance requirements or concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment, ensuring presses and surrounding areas are kept to the highest housekeeping standards.
• Develop and utilise production management systems, including Navision and DigiQ.
• Complete maintenance schedules, KPI reports, and production records accurately and on time.
• Attend all required training sessions and fully comply with company Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the company's Information Security Management System (ISMS) and associated policies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and help drive operational excellence within the department.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the business.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience operating commercial lithographic printing presses as a No. 1 Printer.
• Experience with Heidelberg XL106 CutStar presses.
• Strong understanding of print quality standards, colour control, and production processes.
• Experience leading or supervising a No. 2 Printer within a production environment.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Flexible approach to shift working and overtime requirements.
• Experience operating Heidelberg XL106 10-colour presses and XL 6-colour presses with coating units.
• Knowledge of Navision, DigiQ, or similar production management systems.
• Understanding of KPI reporting, lean manufacturing, and preventative maintenance programmes.
• Health & Safety awareness within a manufacturing or print environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and shift allowance.
• Opportunity to work with industry-leading Heidelberg equipment.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Stable and supportive working environment.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing print operation.

Why Paragon?

At Paragon, we believe great people create great partnerships. You'll join a supportive team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous development, giving you the opportunity to expand your skills across our wider service offering while working with some fantastic clients..

All qualified applicants will be considered fairly and without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the application process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.