Lead Press Operator

Appvion; Paradise (NV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Iconex Llc in Morristown, Tennessee, is seeking a Lead Press Operator to manage daily shift production, operate coating, press, slitter, turret, and other finishing equipment, and support safety training. The role emphasizes leading CI activities, team development, and adherence to quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will drive continuous improvement initiatives, allocate resources to maintain production schedules, mentor coworkers, and collaborate with maintenance,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating printing/packaging equipment preferred.
• Willingness to work extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Operate coating, press, slitter, turret or other finishing equipment to production standards.
• Lead safety training and CI projects on shift.
• Support shift leadership in deployment of resources to meet production needs.
• Maintain a 6S program and ensure GMP compliance.
• Assist maintenance and interface with vendors on technical matters.

Skills

Basics of computer applications

CI experience

Basic math skills

Reading instructions

Verbal and written communication

Can-do attitude

Teamwork

Production flow understanding

Physical stamina (lift up to 50 lbs)

Stand/walk for extended periods

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Machine operator experience in Printing/Packaging/Coating/Laminating/Extrusion

Job description

About Iconex Llc

Iconex, an M2S Group company based in Morristown, Tennessee, is a leading provider of variable information label solutions that help organizations streamline operations, improve productivity, enhance customer experiences, increase accuracy, and advance sustainability goals. A tradition of innovation dating back to 1887 laid the foundation for an extensive portfolio including Sticky Media™, MAXstick™, and other patented lined and linerless labeling technologies trusted by the world’s largest brands. Iconex serves the quick-service restaurant, hospitality, grocery, retail, pharmacy, e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing markets with innovative labeling solutions that drive efficiency and measurable business results.

Position Summary & Key Areas Of Responsibility

The Lead Press Operator is responsible for operating equipment to production standards, supporting production, and leading the daily work on a shift in accordance with the priorities of the business. The Lead Press Operator supports Shift Leadership in deployment of resources and assets to meet production needs. The Lead Press Operator will lead safety training, Continuous Improvement (CI) projects/tasks/events, development and deployment of training, and will support a team culture of high performance. At times the Lead Press Operator will fill in for gaps in Leadership coverage.

About Iconex Llc

Iconex, an M2S Group company based in Morristown, Tennessee, is a leading provider of variable information label solutions that help organizations streamline operations, improve productivity, enhance customer experiences, increase accuracy, and advance sustainability goals. A tradition of innovation dating back to 1887 laid the foundation for an extensive portfolio including Sticky Media™, MAXstick™, and other patented lined and linerless labeling technologies trusted by the world’s largest brands. Iconex serves the quick-service restaurant, hospitality, grocery, retail, pharmacy, e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing markets with innovative labeling solutions that drive efficiency and measurable business results.

Position Summary & Key Areas Of Responsibility

The Lead Press Operator is responsible for operating equipment to production standards, supporting production, and leading the daily work on a shift in accordance with the priorities of the business. The Lead Press Operator supports Shift Leadership in deployment of resources and assets to meet production needs. The Lead Press Operator will lead safety training, Continuous Improvement (CI) projects/tasks/events, development and deployment of training, and will support a team culture of high performance. At times the Lead Press Operator will fill in for gaps in Leadership coverage.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) policies and procedures.
• Actively lead in EHS training, safety observations, hazard identification, and safety committees.
• Foster, develop and implement Continuous Improvement (CI) activities throughout production.
• Ensure a proactive approach to product quality, GMP's, and quality of workmanship.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized 6S program for production areas.
• Operate a coater, press, slitter, turret, or other finishing equipment.
• Assist or conduct product set-up/change-over, break coverage, packing, and material handling.
• Facilitate and support training, cross-training, and coworker development.
• Perform quality audits and sign offs of quality related paperwork.
• Support development & implementation of Standard Work including One Point Lessons, Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, and Training Documents.
• Support and lead shift huddles, Gemba walks, and coworker communications.
• Deploy resources as needed to effectively maintain production schedule.
• Identify and communicate the status of upcoming orders/schedule modifications.
• Allocate and adjust resources to minimize equipment downtime.
• Support inventory cycle counts.
• Ensure accurate consumption and inventory of production materials including boxes, cores, paper, chemicals, and other raw materials.
• Assist maintenance staff on equipment with PM/repairs/projects when needed.
• Interface with key vendors on technical matters, CI ideas, and changes to components.
• Support new job review to onboard new business.
• Contributes to a team effort by proactively assisting coworkers.
• Interfaces with other departments including maintenance, planning, HR, quality, R&D, and other leaders.
• Attend training programs to develop relevant knowledge, techniques, and skills.
• Ensure an environment that promotes effective communications, positive coworker collaboration, and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Basics of computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Outlook, ERPs, WMS)
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or related CI experience preferred
• Basic math skills include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and the ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, diagrams, training manuals, and product specifications
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including ability to effectively train others
• Able to exhibit a "can-do" approach and empower others to excel
• Ability to show a positive attitude and respectful behavior and work cooperatively with all coworkers
• Ability to support plant activities including material, manufacturing, and communication flow throughout the facility
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand/walk frequently as well as bending, squatting, stooping, leaning, pushing/pulling and reaching near equipment.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Machine operator experience in Printing/Packaging/Coating/Laminating/Extrusion industry preferred
• Leadership experience preferred such as basic manufacturing projects, trainer, CI, interim leadership roles, safety lead, safety committee coordinator etc.
• Ability to work extended hours as required

Revised: 9/2/2026

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heartland Label Printers a Division of Iconex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the work eligibility of all new hires following an accepted job offer.

M2SP