Operator II

Pregis; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pregis in Elgin, IL is seeking a dedicated Bindery Operator II to operate and maintain binding, folding, and finishing equipment. You will cut, fold, bind, trim, and troubleshoot mechanical issues while ensuring quality products and cost efficiency under supervision.

The role requires strong communication, mechanical aptitude, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. You will help setup and coordinate multiple machines, supervise a crew, and uphold safety standards per Pregis procedures.

Qualifications

• HS/GED required with proven bindery/cutter operator experience.
• Experience operating cutting and binding equipment such as bindery machines.
• Knowledge of mbo folder and vacuum table converting is a plus.
• Ability to interpret job specs and set up machines accordingly.
• Strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust and operate binding machines with multiple heads and attachments.
• Produce complete bindery and finishing units from sheets to final products.
• Inspect equipment for safety and perform maintenance as needed.
• Operate adhesive binding machines and manage multiple process stations.
• Direct crew through production, monitor quality, output and productivity.
• Maintain accurate counts on every job and ensure safe work practices.

Skills

Mbo folder

Vacuum table converting

Teamwork

Communication

Safety procedures

Fast-paced work

Coaching & feedback

Education

HS/GED

Proven Bindery/Cutter Operator experience

Job description

Summary Of Job
The Bindery Operator's job involves operating and maintaining machinery to bind, fold, and finish printed materials. They are responsible for cutting, folding, binding, and trimming to produce finished products. The role also includes tasks like troubleshooting mechanical issues, performing scheduled maintenance, and maintaining operational efficiency.

Job Title: Operator II – Bindery
Classification: Hourly
Reports To: Production Supervisor
Department: Mailer Production
Summary Of Job
The Bindery Operator's job involves operating and maintaining machinery to bind, fold, and finish printed materials. They are responsible for cutting, folding, binding, and trimming to produce finished products. The role also includes tasks like troubleshooting mechanical issues, performing scheduled maintenance, and maintaining operational efficiency.
This position requires the ideal candidates to have strong communication skills, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, teamwork‑oriented environment. Under the direction of the Production Supervisor and/or Operations Manager, the Bindery Operator ensures the highest quality products at the lowest possible cost, while meeting company standards for quality and performance, customer specifications and delivery requirements, in accordance with Pregis policies and procedures.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust and operate a variety of auxiliary binding machines containing several cutting heads, control surfaces or other attachments i.e. inkjet and mailing devices, case making & decorating equipment, folders, cutters, collators, stitchers, drills, binding/gluing machines.
• May set up automatic bindery machines containing multiple functions and station capabilities (power paper cutters, power collators and gatherers, power folders, power speed binder) which can be electromechanically combined with other equipment and devices.
• To produce a complete bindery and finishing unit that processes printed sheets into final books, catalogs, manuals, directories, magazines or other completed products.
• Inspect equipment for safety issues/reasons.
• May operate automatic adhesive binding machines (perfect Binders) that contain numerous interrelated process stations that are fed collated sheets or signatures and perform such functions as vibrating, milling, roughening, gluing, covering and delivering or stacking completed books, magazines or catalogs.
• Make needed adjustments to coordinate the multiple workstations on a single machine.
• Direct crew through all aspects of production. monitor quality, output and productivity.
• Performs cleaning as required according to Pregis Standard Operating Procedure 1.01 and as directed.
• Fully understands and maintains accurate counts on every job.
• Maintains a safe work environment.

Competency (Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)

• Experience with mbo folder and vacuum table converting a plus.
• Ability to take coaching well and communicate respectfully with others.
• Promote positive teamwork culture.
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with team and during shift transition.
• Knowledgeable of safety requirements and guidelines in manufacturing/warehouse environment
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, follow standardized work instructions and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement culture.

Environment

• Exposure to moving equipment.
• Inside work
• Heat may exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Humidity may exceed 80%
• Noise may exceed 85dB+
• Personal Protective Equipment required.

Physical Characteristics

• Frequent standing, stooping
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling (up to 50 lbs.)
• Occasional typing/keyboarding

Position Type

• Full time
• 223 rotating 12‑hour shifts
• Overtime required per business demand.

Education and Experience

• HS/GED and proven experience as a Bindery/Cutter Operator or similar role.
• In‑depth knowledge of operating cutting and binding equipment.
• Mbo folder and vacuum table converting
• Proficient in interpreting job specifications and setting up machines accordingly.
• Strong attention to details and ability to maintain accuracy in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve common machines issues.
• Good physical stamina, as the role may involve lifting heavy materials and standing for extended periods. A team player with good communication and collaboration abilities.
• Being self‑motivated

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement/Inclusion

We offer equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We support inclusion and believe in welcoming a collective sum of individual differences, thoughts, traits, and characteristics to represent Pregis’ culture and achievements.

Visit us at www.pregis.com for more information about Pregis LLC

I acknowledge I have received and understand this position overview.

Signed
Date: