Offset First Press Operator

Quad; Town of Hartford (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-hour schedule 182 days/year

On-site fitness center

On-site medical clinic

Climate-controlled environment

Advanced printing technology

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Quad Hartford is seeking an experienced Web Offset Press Operator (First Press) to join our Hartford manufacturing team. In this leadership role, you will operate and maintain advanced web offset equipment and lead press crews to safety, quality, and production goals.

You will mentor team members, troubleshoot press issues, and drive continuous improvement on one of North America’s largest commercial printing operations. Prior Harris/Heidelberg/Goss/Manroland press experience is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Previous commercial printing press operating experience is required.
• Experience operating web offset presses is preferred; other press platforms are acceptable.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets and production specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain web offset presses and auxiliary equipment.
• Lead press crew members to achieve production, quality, and safety goals.
• Perform press set-ups, make-readies, and routine maintenance procedures.
• Troubleshoot press, folder, reel, stacker, and related equipment to minimize downtime.
• Maintain ink and water balance while monitoring color consistency and print quality.
• Read and interpret job tickets and production requirements.
• Coordinate maintenance activities and communicate equipment needs.
• Train, mentor, and develop pressroom team members.
• Collaborate with supervisors and cross-functional teams to improve productivity.

Skills

Web offset presses

Press leadership

Troubleshooting

Color management

Quality standards

Job tickets

Team mentoring

English fluency

Tools

Harris press

Heidelberg press

Goss press

Manroland press

Job description

As a global marketing experience company, Quad’s goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness. We’ve built a rich legacy by believing in our people, allowing them to act like owners and to take charge of their own success. Whether an operator, sales rep, a graphic artist or a clinician, we’re all driven to perform at our best- for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we’re a company that believes we can always create a better way.

Offset First Press Operator

Location: Hartford, WI

Pay: Starting at $25.00 / hour or more, based on relevant experience and work history

Paid Relocation: Available for qualified candidates relocating from 100+ miles away.

Shift Options Available

• 12-hour rotating schedule (days and nights)

Schedule: 12-hour compressed work schedule (3/4 or 4/3 rotation), working only 182 days per year while maintaining full-time pay and benefits.

Experience Required: This is an experienced Web Offset Press Operator (First Press) position. Previous commercial printing press operating experience is required. Experience operating web offset presses is preferred; however, candidates with experience operating sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure, or other commercial printing press platforms are encouraged to apply.

Produce Printed Products Millions of People See Every Day

Every day, millions of people see the products we produce—from magazines and catalogs to retail advertising, direct mail, and other printed products. At Quad, you'll work with advanced technology, produce high-quality printed materials, and build a long-term career with a company that invests in its people.

Hartford is one of Quad's largest manufacturing campuses and an important part of our nationwide production network.

Here, you'll work with advanced printing technology while supporting the production of magazines, catalogs, and retail advertising products seen across the country. As home to our CRT ink manufacturing division, Hartford is also a center for innovation and continuous improvement, making it an exciting place to build a manufacturing career with room to grow.

Position Summary

Quad is seeking an experienced Web Offset Press Operator (First Press) to join our Hartford manufacturing team. In this leadership role, you'll operate and maintain advanced web offset printing equipment while leading press crews to achieve safety, quality, and production goals. You'll oversee press performance, troubleshoot equipment, mentor team members, and drive continuous improvement in one of North America's largest commercial printing operations. Experience operating Harris, Heidelberg, Goss, Manroland, or similar web offset presses is highly preferred. Candidates with experience operating other commercial printing press platforms are encouraged to apply.

What You'll Do

• Operate and maintain web offset presses and auxiliary equipment.
• Lead and direct press crew members to achieve production, quality, and safety goals.
• Perform press set-ups, make-readies, and routine maintenance procedures.
• Troubleshoot press, folder, reel, stacker, and related equipment to minimize downtime.
• Maintain proper ink and water balance while monitoring color consistency, registration, and print quality.
• Read and interpret job tickets, customer specifications, and production requirements.
• Coordinate maintenance activities and communicate equipment needs.
• Maintain production records, downtime documentation, and quality reports.
• Promote and support safety initiatives, 6S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Train, mentor, and develop pressroom team members.
• Collaborate with supervisors and cross-functional teams to improve productivity and performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Previous commercial printing press operating experience is required.
• Experience operating web offset presses is preferred.
• Candidates with experience operating sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure, or other commercial printing press platforms are encouraged to apply.
• Experience operating Harris, Heidelberg, Goss, Manroland, or similar presses is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of offset printing processes, color management, registration, ink distribution, and print quality standards.
• Experience troubleshooting web breaks, tension systems, folders, and related press equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to train, mentor, and develop team members.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets, production specifications, and work instructions.
• Basic math skills related to press operations.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to safely perform job duties, follow work instructions, and communicate effectively with team members.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating schedule, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require.

Why Quad?

At Quad, you'll do more than operate equipment—you'll lead a team producing printed products that reach millions of consumers every day. We continue to invest in printing technology, automation, and our employees, creating opportunities to expand your leadership and technical skills while building a long-term career with an industry leader.

Qualified candidates relocating more than 100 miles may be eligible for paid relocation assistance, making it easier to join our Hartford team.

Hartford Employees Enjoy a Variety Of Unique Benefits, Including

• 12-hour compressed work schedule—work only 182 days per year while maintaining full-time pay and benefits.
• On-site fitness center to support your health and wellness.
• On-site medical clinic for convenient access to healthcare.
• Climate-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Opportunities to work with some of the most advanced web offset printing technology in North America.
• Career growth and advancement across press operations, maintenance, quality, engineering, and leadership.

Compensation is based on experience, skills, qualifications, shift, location, and other job-related factors.

Lead With Experience. Build Your Career At Quad.

We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, holidays and additional benefits.

Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a place of belonging — a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

Drug-Free Workplace