Bindery - Bindery Operator 2

Lakeside Book Company; Crawfordsville (IN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety shoe reimbursement

Safety glasses reimbursement

Tools provided

Two weeks vacation

Training provided

Job summary

Lakeside Book Company is seeking a Lead Bindery Operator for the Crawfordsville, IN facility. You will set up and run a range of bindery equipment, supervise a crew, and monitor output and quality. Training is provided for first shift initially, with 2nd and 3rd shifts on a July 2027 start.

The role emphasizes safety, equipment knowledge, and the ability to coordinate multiple stations to complete book production efficiently.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of setup, adjustment, and operation of binding, folding, collating, and cutting equipment.
• Knowledge of paper weights, sizes, colors, and conditions to adjust machines.
• Ability to read and interpret written work instructions for machine operations.
• Skill in using hand tools and adjusting machines to meet specifications.
• Ability to coordinate multiple work stations and supervise a crew.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust and operate a variety of bindery machines used to produce final books, catalogs, and other printed materials.
• Inspect equipment for safety issues and ensure proper maintenance.
• May operate automatic adhesive binders with multiple process stations.
• Direct crew through production, monitor quality, output and productivity.

Skills

Bindery machine operation

Crew leadership

Safety awareness

Troubleshooting and adjustments

Reading instructions

Job description

About Lakeside Book Company

Lakeside Book Company is the largest book manufacturer in North America — and we love books. Every title we produce matters, and so does every hand that helps make it. Our people are at the heart of our success, and our mission is simple: Keep the world reading.

About Lakeside Book Company

Lakeside Book Company is the largest book manufacturer in North America — and we love books. Every title we produce matters, and so does every hand that helps make it. Our people are at the heart of our success, and our mission is simple: Keep the world reading.

Bindery Operator 2 - BMO

Shift

2nd shift (3pm-11pm) starting in July 2027

Starting in January 2027 will train on 1st Shift 7am-3pm (7am-5pm with overtime) and 3rd shift 11pm-7am (9pm-7am with overtime)

Starting Rate

$24.00 - $30.25 per hour - 7% shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shifts.

Additional Incentives

• $100 Safety Shoe Reimbursement
• $100 Safety Glasses Reimbursement
• Company will provide all tools necessary
• 2 Weeks’ Vacation
• Training provided

Work Hours

2nd shift (3pm-11pm) starting in July 2027

Starting in January 2027 will train on 1st Shift 7am-3pm (7am-5pm with overtime) and 3rd shift 11pm-7am (9pm-7am with overtime)

Location

600 State Road 32 West, Crawfordsville, IN 47933

As our Lead Bindery Operator, you will:

• Set up, adjust and operate a variety of auxiliary binding machines containing several cutting heads, control surfaces or other attachments (i.e. inkjet and mailing devices, case making & decorating equipment, folders, cutters, collators, stitchers, drills, binding/gluing machines and/or set up automatic bindery machines containing multiple functions and station capabilities (power paper cutters, power collators and gatherers, power folders, power speed binder) which can be electromechanically combined with other equipment and devices to produce a complete bindery and finishing unit that processes printed sheets into final books, catalogs, manuals, directories, magazines or other completed products
• Inspect equipment for safety issues
• May operate automatic adhesive binding machines (perfect binders) that contain numerous interrelated process stations that are fed collated sheets or signatures and perform such functions as vibrating, milling, roughening, gluing, covering and delivering or stacking completed books, magazines or catalogs
• Make needed adjustments to coordinate the multiple work stations on a single machine
• Direct crew through all aspects of production. Monitor quality, output and productivity

Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of the setup, adjustment, procedures, capabilities and limitations of equipment to perform the full range of standard and specialized binding, folding, collating, and cutting of printed materials to complete a finished product
• Comprehensive knowledge of machinability of different paper weights, sizes, kinds and colors so as to be able to identify paper conditions (i.e. excessive moisture or curling that frequently requires additional machine adjustment)
• Thorough knowledge of limitations and capabilities of all machines used to accomplish unusual set ups or machine combinations to produce unique or one of a kind printed materials
• Ability to use the full range of standard and specialized tools and devices to adjust and maintain the functional accuracy and operating conditions of the bindery machines
• Skill in making difficult adjustments to powered machines using hand tools (i.e. wrenches, screwdrivers, punches, knives) as well as more specialized hand tools, usually furnished by the machine manufacturer
• Skill in operating complicated bindery equipment such as folders, cutters, collators, stitchers, drills, binding/gluing machines
• Ability to read and interpret written work which indicates the number and sequence of machine operations required to complete the work and maintain dimensional accuracy in accordance with instructions provided

Physical Requirements:

• Job requires ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Recruitment Fraud Awareness

Beware of scammers impersonating Lakeside Book Company. Legitimate recruiter emails will end in @lakesidebook.com. We will never contact you from a blocked or private number, recruit through online chat platforms, or require payment or purchases as a condition of employment. Please verify suspicious communications through our official company website.

At Lakeside Book, we value craftsmanship and collaboration by encouraging employees to improve their skills and capabilities. To that end, in addition to meeting the qualification requirements for this position, preference will be given to candidates who agree to participate in cross‑training. This includes achieving qualified status within the position and assuming responsibility as a backup for lateral and progressive roles, as needed.

Discover What Makes Crawfordsville Special

With roots dating back to 1921, our Crawfordsville site is founded on over a century of craftsmanship, community pride, and long-term opportunities. As part of a leading industry organization, we are proud to be a local employer of choice.

Our team consists of approximately 850 dedicated and skilled employees who take pride in their work's impact around the world. Whether just starting your career or seeking a place to grow, we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.

Crawfordsville offers an excellent quality of life, whether you're a resident or considering relocation:

• Enjoy outdoor activities with nearby parks, trails, kayaking, and camping.
• Participate in local events like the Covered Bridge Festival, Strawberry Festival, and the Taste of Montgomery County.
• Explore cultural attractions such as the Rotary Jail Museum, Athens Arts Gallery, and various events at Wabash College.

We Give Back to Our Community:

• Our employees volunteer with local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Early Learning Center, Youth Service Bureau, food pantries, and United Way.
• We are actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce, participating in local parades, ribbon cuttings, and networking events.
• We provide support through donations to schools and nonprofits and participate annually in leadership programs.

We prioritize the well-being of our team both within and outside the workplace:

• Safety is a core value, and we take pride in being recognized as a VPP Star Site (Voluntary Protection Program through IOSHA).
• Enjoy fun events like BBQs, pizza parties, and Family Day.
• We recognize achievements through service anniversaries, retirements, and apprenticeship graduations.
• Opportunities are available to join committees focused on Wellness, the Inclusion Council, and the Lakeside Club.

What Makes Crawfordsville Truly Stand Out?

With deep community ties and a history of employees staying for 25+ years, Crawfordsville offers more than just a job—it’s a place to build a meaningful career and make a difference.

A Culture of Safety and Responsibility

At Lakeside Book Company, safety is more than a rule — it’s part of who we are. We’re committed to creating a workplace where every employee, visitor, and customer. That means staying alert, looking out for one another, and making smart, safe daily choices.

What we offer you:

• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401k with company match
• Career growth opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee appreciation & recognition programs

About Us:

Lakeside Book Company loves books! To us, every book matters. Every word. Every page. Every hand that helped build it. Our history has shown that we are leaders and innovators. We have a team-winning culture, where all of our people have a voice. While we are old in years, we are new at heart. Come join our mission to keep the world reading.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Lakeside Book Company is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process or perform essential job functions please contact [e-mail].

• This job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties and responsibilities assigned for this job at the company’s discretion.

Recruitment Fraud Awareness

Beware of scammers impersonating Lakeside Book Company. Legitimate recruiter emails will end in @lakesidebook.com and/or @wilsonhr.com. We will never contact you from a blocked or private number, recruit through online chat platforms, or require payment or purchases as a condition of employment. Please verify suspicious communications through our official company website.