Lead Press Operator: Drive Quality & Throughput

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Rockaway (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. in Rockaway, NJ is seeking a Press Operator III (Lead Operator) to lead pressroom operations on shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production while coordinating staffing and workflow.

You will troubleshoot issues, partner with maintenance, monitor color, registration, and waste, and drive downtime reductions. The role requires strong leadership, hands-on expertise with press systems, and a commitment to safety and process discipline.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and strong organizational/decision-making skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and perform effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, including accurate shift reporting.
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail/quality.
• Working knowledge of production scheduling systems (Goss, MPS/ABB, Newsway preferred).
• Availability to work rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct pressroom personnel; coordinate daily assignments and staffing; manage workflow to meet production schedules; provide clear shift handoffs and communicate priorities.
• Oversee press setup, make-ready, and production runs; monitor print quality (color, registration, waste) and make adjustments as needed; troubleshoot press/plate/material issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain on-time production while meeting quality and waste targets; identify bottlenecks and drive corrective actions; ensure efficient use of materials and consumables.
• Coach, guide, and train operators on the floor; reinforce operating standards; support skill development and cross-training.
• Promote and enforce safety procedures, PPE, and machine guarding; maintain a clean, hazard-free work area; report incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Complete accurate shift reports and downtime tracking; communicate production status and risks; coordinate with maintenance and support teams to sustain production flow.

Skills

Leadership

Task prioritization

Mechanical troubleshooting

Communication

Attention to detail

Production scheduling systems

Tools

Goss

MPS/ABB

Newsway

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. in Rockaway, NJ is seeking a Press Operator III (Lead Operator) to lead pressroom operations on shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production while coordinating staffing and workflow.

You will troubleshoot issues, partner with maintenance, monitor color, registration, and waste, and drive downtime reductions. The role requires strong leadership, hands-on expertise with press systems, and a commitment to safety and process discipline.