Lead Press Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Offset First Press Operator - Wages starting at $25.00 / hour or more, depending on experience

Relocation Assistance Available

Highly qualified candidates located more than 100 miles from the plant may be eligible for relocation assistance. Speak with your recruiter for details.

Why Quad?

If you're an experienced press professional looking to take your career to the next level, Quad offers more than just another pressroom job.

As one of North America's largest and most diversified marketing experience companies, Quad continues to invest in print, technology, automation, and employee development. Unlike traditional printers, Quad combines world-class print manufacturing with direct mail, packaging, creative, media, and data solutions-providing long-term stability and opportunities for career growth.

What Sets Quad Apart

• Continued investment in printing technology and manufacturing innovation
• Career advancement opportunities across operations, leadership, quality, maintenance, and engineering
• Work on high-volume, complex projects for nationally recognized brands
• A culture focused on safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Comprehensive benefits and competitive pay

About the Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced First Press Operator to lead press operations and drive performance across safety, quality, productivity, and crew development.

In this role, you'll operate and maintain advanced web offset printing equipment while providing leadership and direction to pressroom team members. You'll be responsible for ensuring production goals are met, maintaining exceptional print quality, troubleshooting equipment issues, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

If you're a skilled press operator who enjoys leading teams, solving technical challenges, and producing high-quality work, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Operate and maintain the press and auxiliary equipment
• Lead and direct crew members to achieve production and quality goals
• Perform press set-ups, make-readies, and maintenance procedures
• Troubleshoot press, folder, reel, and stacker issues with minimal downtime
• Maintain proper ink and water balance while monitoring print quality and ink densities
• Read and interpret job tickets, specifications, and customer requirements
• Coordinate maintenance activities and communicate equipment needs
• Maintain production records and downtime documentation
• Promote and enforce safety, 6S, and Lean manufacturing initiatives
• Train, mentor, and develop pressroom personnel
• Collaborate with supervisors and cross-functional teams to improve processes and performance

What We're Looking For

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years of offset press operating experience
• Detailed knowledge of the offset printing process
• Experience with Harris, Heidelberg, Goss, and/or Manroland presses preferred
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude
• Ability to read and interpret job specifications and production orders
• Basic math skills related to press operations
• Experience resolving issues involving tension, ink distribution, registration, and web breaks
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work rotating day/night 12-hour shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and stand for extended periods
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Ability to work independently while effectively leading a production team
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities

Compensation & Benefits

The actual rate of pay offered will vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, proficiency, performance, shift assignment, and location. In addition to competitive base pay, eligible employees may also earn overtime pay and shift differentials.

Quad offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with annual discretionary company match based on company performance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption and surrogacy assistance
• Childbirth short-term disability benefits
• Pet insurance
• Voluntary supplemental insurance options
• Career development and advancement opportunities

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you're looking for more than just a job-and want a career with opportunities to lead, grow, and make an impact-Quad is the place for you.

Apply today and become part of a team that's committed to innovation, quality, and helping you succeed.