Die Cutter Lead

Hedy Holmes Staffing; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Hedy Holmes Staffing is seeking an experienced Die Cutter Lead in Stockton, CA to oversee flatbed die-cutting operations in a fast-paced production environment. You will set up and operate equipment, perform make-readies, monitor quality, troubleshoot issues, and mentor assistant operators.

The ideal candidate has hands-on die-cutting expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and leadership ability to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain high production standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating flatbed die cutters required.
• Strong knowledge of complete die-cutting make-ready procedures.
• Experience with stripping and blanking operations.
• Ability to monitor and maintain registration and finished-product quality.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to identify and implement improvements that reduce setup time and material waste.
• Previous lead, training, or mentoring experience preferred.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance on production equipment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple production departments.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and provide direction to assistant operators.
• Dependable with strong attendance and a commitment to workplace safety.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate flatbed die‑cutting equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform complete machine make‑readies for production runs.
• Set up and run stripping and blanking operations.
• Monitor product quality, registration, and overall machine performance throughout production.
• Troubleshoot die‑cutting equipment and production issues to minimize downtime.
• Make necessary adjustments to maintain product specifications and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to reduce make-ready times and improve overall machine efficiency.
• Monitor material usage and implement practices to minimize production waste.
• Train, mentor, and provide direction to assistant operators.
• Coordinate production activities with Press, Gluing, and Shipping Departments.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and assist with maintaining equipment reliability.
• Maintain accurate production and quality documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety, quality, and production procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional production and leadership duties as assigned.

Skills

Die-cutting operations

Flatbed die cutters

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Preventative maintenance

Make-readies

Quality monitoring

Tools

Flatbed die cutter

Registration alignment

Maintenance tools

Job description

Position: Die Cutter Lead Pay Rate: $35.00/hour Location: Stockton, CA Schedule: Monday-Friday | 7:00 AM-3:30 PM

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Die Cutter Lead to oversee die‑cutting operations in a fast-paced production environment. This position is responsible for setting up and operating flatbed die‑cutting equipment, completing make‑readies, monitoring production quality, troubleshooting equipment issues, and supporting the development of assistant operators. The ideal candidate has strong technical knowledge of die‑cutting operations, excellent troubleshooting skills, and the leadership ability to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain high production and quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate flatbed die‑cutting equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform complete machine make‑readies for production runs.
• Set up and run stripping and blanking operations.
• Monitor product quality, registration, and overall machine performance throughout production.
• Troubleshoot die‑cutting equipment and production issues to minimize downtime.
• Make necessary adjustments to maintain product specifications and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to reduce make-ready times and improve overall machine efficiency.
• Monitor material usage and implement practices to minimize production waste.
• Train, mentor, and provide direction to assistant operators.
• Coordinate production activities with Press, Gluing, and Shipping Departments.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and assist with maintaining equipment reliability.
• Maintain accurate production and quality documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety, quality, and production procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional production and leadership duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating flatbed die cutters required.
• Strong knowledge of complete die‑cutting make‑ready procedures.
• Experience with stripping and blanking operations.
• Ability to monitor and maintain registration and finished‑product quality.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to identify and implement improvements that reduce setup time and material waste.
• Previous lead, training, or mentoring experience preferred.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance on production equipment.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple production departments.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and provide direction to assistant operators.
• Dependable with strong attendance and a commitment to workplace safety.