Manufacturing Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Full-time | In-person

Competitive Pay + Benefits

One of our clients is seeking an experienced Lead Operator for a 2 Color Jumbo Printer Slotter in a corrugated packaging manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for leading machine operations, ensuring high-quality box production, minimizing downtime, and overseeing safe and efficient production processes on jumbo-format corrugated converting equipment.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with flexographic printing, slotting/scoring operations, machine setup, troubleshooting, and crew leadership within a corrugated manufacturing environment.

• Follow all OSHA, plant safety, and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures

• Ensure proper PPE usage and maintain clean, organized work areas

• Monitor safe handling of jumbo corrugated sheets and machine operations

• Stop production immediately for unsafe conditions or quality concerns

• Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective actions

• Set up and operate jumbo printer slotter equipment efficiently

• Adjust feeder settings, side guides, feed rolls, and vacuum systems for accurate board feeding

• Mount and register flexographic print plates for accurate 2-color print alignment

• Manage ink systems, anilox rolls, doctor blades, and print quality controls

• Configure slotting, scoring, creasing, and trim sections according to job specifications

• Perform blade, anvil, crease head, and tooling adjustments/changeovers

• Conduct first-piece inspections and verify production quality before full production runs

• Monitor machine performance, print registration, slot accuracy, stacking quality, and throughput during production

• Lead efficient job changeovers while minimizing downtime and waste

• Perform routine preventive maintenance and cleaning procedures

• Ensure all boxes meet customer print and structural specifications

• Maintain accurate print registration, slot positioning, score quality, and trim accuracy

• Inspect corrugated materials for defects prior to production

• Conduct in-process quality inspections throughout production runs

• Track and report production metrics including uptime, waste, rejects, and throughput

• Troubleshoot and resolve print defects, feed issues, slotting problems, and stacker jams

• Lead and support machine crew members during daily operations

• Assign responsibilities and adjust crew workflow as needed

• Train team members on machine operation, safety, setup, print registration, and quality procedures

• Provide shift handoff communication regarding machine status, priorities, and maintenance concerns

• Support continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• 3-5+ years of corrugated converting equipment experience

• Minimum 2 years operating a printer-slotter or flexographic press in corrugated manufacturing

• Experience with:

  • Flexographic printing

  • Print plate mounting & registration

  • Anilox roll & ink system management

  • Slotter head setup

  • Blade/anvil changes

  • Scoring & creasing adjustments

  • Machine troubleshooting

• Knowledge of corrugated board grades and flute types

• Ability to read job tickets, production specifications, and work orders

• Strong mechanical aptitude and leadership skills

• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and assigned shifts as needed

Flexographic Printing, Printer-Slotter Operation, Corrugated Manufacturing, Print Registration, Anilox Roll Management, Slotter Setup, Blade Changes, Scoring & Creasing, Preventive Maintenance, Machine Troubleshooting, Production Leadership, Quality Inspection

• Technical or vocational training in manufacturing, packaging, or printing

• Experience leading production crews in a manufacturing environment

• Knowledge of production reporting and downtime tracking systems

• Continuous improvement or kaizen experience preferred

• Ability to stand for extended periods

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, ink, and moving equipment

• 401(k)

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)