Head Pressman

Lewisburg Patterson Company; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 38,573,000; Full time

Job summary

Lewisburg Patterson Company is seeking an experienced Head Press Operator to lead the press team on the overnight shift. The role involves safe setup, operation, and quality control, with training on the first shift before transitioning to nights.

The ideal candidate will manage routine issues, maintain production standards, and communicate effectively with Production, Maintenance and Quality teams. This is a leadership position within a fast-paced printing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a production or printing press.
• Ability to read and follow job specifications and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and adjustments.
• Ability to work overnight with dependable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate press equipment and set up for production.
• Review tickets and specs before starting a job.
• Monitor press and maintain production speeds with safety and quality in mind.
• Inspect finished product for color, registration, and appearance.
• Identify and communicate quality issues to supervisors.
• Stop production when defects are detected to prevent waste.

Skills

Press operation

Quality inspection

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Communication

Shift flexibility

Tools

KBA presses

Job description

Summary

We're looking for an experienced and dependable Head Press Operator to lead press operations during our overnight shift. This role is responsible for safely setting up and operating the press, maintaining production and quality standards, troubleshooting routine issues, and ensuring jobs are completed accurately and efficiently. Because this is a night-shift position with a high level of independent responsibility, the ideal candidate is someone who can operate confidently without constant supervision, recognize and resolve routine press issues, maintain quality, and know when to stop and ask for help. Important: Training will take place on first shift, Tuesday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM. Once training is successfully completed, the regular schedule will transition to the night shift of Tuesday–Thursday, 6:00 PM–6:00 AM.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Press Operation & Setup

• Safely operate assigned press equipment in accordance with company procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
• Review job tickets, specifications, and production requirements before beginning a job.
• Set up the press for production, including installation and adjustment of plates, materials, ink, and other required components.
• Verify the correct plate, materials, and job specifications before starting production.
• Make routine press adjustments to maintain proper operation and product quality.
• Monitor the press throughout production and make adjustments as necessary.
• Safely start, stop, and shut down the press.
• Maintain appropriate production speeds while prioritizing safety and quality.
• Minimize waste, scrap, and production downtime.

Quality Control

• Inspect finished product throughout the production run to ensure it meets established quality standards.
• Monitor registration, alignment, color, print quality, and overall appearance.
• Identify defects, inconsistencies, or other quality concerns.
• Stop production when necessary to prevent continued production of defective material.
• Correct routine quality issues when within the operator's ability and training.
• Communicate recurring or significant quality issues to the appropriate supervisor or manager.
• Ensure completed work meets job specifications before releasing material to the next step in production.

Troubleshooting

• Recognize and troubleshoot common press and production issues.
• Identify issues such as poor print quality, registration problems, ink inconsistencies, smearing, feeding problems, or improper plate installation.
• Make appropriate routine adjustments to resolve operating issues.
• Respond appropriately to jams, alarms, unusual noises, vibration, or other abnormal equipment conditions.
• Safely stop equipment when an issue cannot be corrected through normal operating adjustments.
• Know when an issue requires assistance from Maintenance, a supervisor, or another qualified employee.
• Communicate the problem clearly when requesting assistance, including what occurred and what steps have already been taken.
• Avoid making unauthorized repairs or adjustments outside the operator's training.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and required PPE.
• Maintain awareness of moving equipment and other workplace hazards.
• Follow applicable Lockout/Tagout procedures and understand when equipment must be taken out of service.
• Never bypass guards, safety devices, or established safety procedures.
• Remain attentive to the press while it is operating and do not leave operating equipment unattended unless specifically authorized.
• Immediately report injuries, near misses, equipment damage, unsafe conditions, and other incidents.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow proper procedures for handling materials, chemicals, inks, and other production supplies.
• Promote safe work practices among employees working in the area.

Leadership & Communication

• Provide direction and support to other press employees as needed.
• Assist in training and developing Press Operators and Pressmen-in-Training.
• Communicate production priorities, job status, equipment concerns, and quality issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, and other departments.
• Help ensure shift handoffs include accurate information regarding jobs, equipment issues, incomplete work, and other important concerns.
• Escalate issues appropriately when they cannot be resolved safely or within the operator's authority.

Documentation & Housekeeping

• Accurately complete production records, job tickets, quality documentation, and other required paperwork or electronic records.
• Record production quantities, scrap, downtime, and other information as required.
• Maintain proper organization of plates, materials, tools, and supplies.
• Clean the press and surrounding work area according to established procedures.
• Report equipment or material needs before they affect production whenever possible.

Qualifications

Required

• Previous experience operating a production or printing press.
• Ability to safely operate and monitor press equipment with limited supervision.
• Ability to read and follow job specifications, production instructions, and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to identify common equipment and quality issues.
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and make routine adjustments.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Dependable attendance and ability to work the required overnight schedule.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Previous experience as a Head Press Operator, Lead Press Operator, or similar role.
• Experience training or mentoring other press operators.
• Experience with KBA presses.
• Manufacturing or printing industry experience.
• Forklift or other material-handling equipment experience.

Training & Schedule

Initial Training:

New hires will begin on the first-shift training schedule: Tuesday–Thursday | 6:00 AM–6:00 PM Training will focus on press operation, setup, safety, quality standards, troubleshooting, production procedures, and company expectations.

Once the employee has demonstrated the ability to safely and effectively perform the required duties, they will transition to the regular night shift schedule: Tuesday–Thursday | 6:00 PM–6:00 AM. Additional training or support may be provided as needed to ensure the employee is successful in the role.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and move throughout the production area.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around moving machinery and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with press operation.
• Ability to work in an environment with varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other typical manufacturing conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Climate controlled year-round. The noise level is usually moderate.

LPC does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. You will be expected to follow any other job-related instructions & to perform other job-related duties as requested by the Manager.