Print Shop - Lead Operator - 1st Shift

Overview About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding
. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion
, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee
. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally
, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s Smart Dollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

What You’ll Do

As a shift lead print operator, you will be operating and maintaining printing equipment to produce high-quality printed materials in accordance with production schedules and quality standards. This role includes setting up jobs, monitoring print runs, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting basic equipment issues, and ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and workplace safety throughout the printing process.

• Operate, set up, and continuously optimize major print and finishing equipment.
• Monitor production throughout each job. Ensuring adherence to job specs (color accuracy, substrate alignment, finishing quality) and timely completion.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, material or workflow issues immediately to minimize downtime and waste.
• Ensure all pre-flighting preparation and printing of print jobs meet customer’s specifications.
• Own end‑to‑end workflow: from job receipt, file prep, schedule/planning, production, finishing/packaging, to staging/shipping.
• Develop, document and refine standard operating procedures, quality checkpoints, equipment maintenance schedules, and work‑flows scalable for growth.
• Implement quality assurance routines: inspect output at key phases, log defects, review waste metrics, propose and implement corrective measures.
• Manage consumables and materials (inks, media, laminates, tapes, finishing supplies) track inventory levels, reorder as needed, maintain supplier relationships.
• Coordinate service and vendor support as required to keep production running smoothly.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values:
  People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Essential Qualities for Success

• At least 15 years of print production experience required or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Demonstrated experience operating large format/industrial printing equipment, finishing tools and managing workflow in a production environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, attention to detail, and high standards for print/finish quality.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to train, motivate, and lead others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Working knowledge of…