Lead Digital Press Operator

Japs-Olson Company (JO); Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision and dental insurance

HSA with company contributions

401(k) with company contributions

Paid holidays and floating holidays

Paid parental leave

Life insurance

Short and long-term disability

Job summary

Japs-Olson Company (JO) in Minnesota is seeking an experienced Lead Digital Press Operator to join our production team. You will set up, operate, and maintain industrial digital presses to produce high-quality print materials while upholding safety and efficiency standards.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with commercial/industrial presses, strong color management and workflow knowledge, and the ability to lead a team, troubleshoot issues, and train others.

Qualifications

• Lead operator experience on digital web presses.
• Strong knowledge of digital press operation, color management, and workflows.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot press issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and operate industrial digital presses, ensuring high-quality production.
• Lead setup of print jobs based on work orders, calibrate media and press adjustments.
• Maintain color accuracy, registration, and quality control across runs.
• Diagnose and resolve press issues; perform routine and preventive maintenance.
• Coordinate with prepress and finishing to ensure production-readiness and specs.
• Maintain accurate documentation of job details and production metrics.
• Uphold safety protocols and keep a clean, organized pressroom.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to new press operators.

Skills

Lead operator

Digital press operation

Color management

Workflow knowledge

Mechanical troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Team mentorship

Physical fitness

Job description

About The Company

At Japs-Olson (JO), we believe a career should be more than a job—it should be an opportunity to create a lasting impression. As a trusted leader in direct mail and commercial printing for over a century, JO is proud to be an employer of choice in the Twin Cities, empowering our team to solve problems creatively within a culture of collaboration and growth.

About The Company

At Japs-Olson (JO), we believe a career should be more than a job—it should be an opportunity to create a lasting impression. As a trusted leader in direct mail and commercial printing for over a century, JO is proud to be an employer of choice in the Twin Cities, empowering our team to solve problems creatively within a culture of collaboration and growth.

Whether you're a recent graduate eager to launch your career, seeking meaningful work that aligns with your values, or a seasoned professional ready to share your expertise, JO is a place where your contributions can make a difference. We offer competitive benefits, career advancement opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, all within a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to grow and succeed.

Join JO, where progress is celebrated, people are uplifted, and your ideas can make a difference every day.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead Digital Press Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining industrial high-volume digital presses to produce high-quality print materials that meet customer and company standards. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in running commercial/industrial presses, a sharp eye for detail, and a commitment to accuracy, safety, and efficiency.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Directly oversee and operate industrial digital presses, ensuring consistent, high-quality production and proactively addressing any issues affecting output
• Lead the setup of print jobs based on work orders, overseeing media selection, calibration, and press adjustments to ensure optimal results
• Manage color accuracy, registration, and quality control throughout production runs, making adjustments as needed and ensuring adherence to company standards
• Diagnose and resolve press issues swiftly, performing routine and preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and optimize performance
• Coordinate with prepress and finishing departments to ensure files are production-ready and finished products meet all specifications
• Maintain accurate documentation of job details, production metrics, and press maintenance activities for reporting and process improvement
• Uphold all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized pressroom, setting a standard for the team
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to new press operators, fostering skill development and teamwork

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a lead operator on digital web presses required
• Strong understanding of digital press operation, color management, and workflow processes
• Experience in a commercial print or direct mail production environment preferred
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve press issues
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment
• Basic computer skills for job ticketing, production reporting, and workflow systems
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings or weekends if needed

Benefits

• Affordable medical insurance plans
• Vision and dental insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• 401(k) savings plan with company contributions
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Short and long-term disability

Position Information

• Pay Range: $25-$40 per hour
• Status: Hourly
• Shift: Nights (6pm to 6am)

JO is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Due to the nature of the manufacturing environment, Japs-Olson Company considers this position to be safety-sensitive position. All job offers are conditional based on satisfying a 9-panel drug screening and physical test in accordance with the Drug Testing in the Workplace Act.

The pay range listed reflects typical compensation based on market data, generally between the 25th and 75th percentile for similar roles. Where you land within that range depends on your experience, skills, and qualifications. Our recruiters will keep you in the loop throughout the process, so you know where you stand. We’re committed to fair and open conversations every step of the way.