1st Pressman​/Lead Operator

Overview

Join to apply for the 1st Pressman/Lead Operator role at Japs-Olson Company (JO).

JO is a trusted leader in direct mail and commercial printing with a history of over a century. We are committed to collaboration and growth, offering competitive benefits and opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.

We are seeking a 1st Pressman to join our night shift team, working from 6 PM to 6 AM for 3 to 4 days per week. In this role, you would be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining commercial web presses while ensuring top-quality output. This role oversees make-readies and production runs, and ensures jobs are completed safely, efficiently, and to customer specifications.

• Lead all press setups, including mounting plates, adjusting registration, setting ink keys, and bringing jobs up to color.
• Make all final quality decisions on color, registration, density, and overall appearance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, print quality, or material issues during runs.
• Direct the 2nd Pressman and roll tenders in job tasks and workflow.
• Perform advanced press adjustments, calibrations, and routine maintenance.
• Maintain production pace while minimizing spoilage and waste.
• Complete required job tickets, quality checks, and production reports.
• Communicate with supervisors, scheduling, and quality on job progress and concerns.

• Proven experience as a lead operator on commercial web presses, with the ability to run jobs from setup through completion.
• Experience with Heidelberg and Goss Web Presses strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions on press operation, color quality, registration, and overall output.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience performing press adjustments, calibrations, and routine maintenance.
• Leadership skills to direct and train 2nd pressmen, roll tenders, and material sorters ensuring efficient teamwork and workflow.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly troubleshoot press or print quality issues.
• High attention to detail and commitment to meeting customer specifications and quality standards.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while minimizing spoilage and maximizing productivity.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with supervisors, scheduling, and quality teams.

• Affordable medical insurance plans
• Vision and dental insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• 401(k) savings plan with company contributions
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Short and long-term disability

JO is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. This is a safety-sensitive position; offers are conditional on a 9-panel drug screening and physical test in accordance with Drug Testing in the Workplace Act.

The pay range listed reflects typical compensation based on market data, generally between the 25th and 75th percentile for similar roles. Our recruiters will keep you informed throughout the process. We are committed to fair and open conversations every step of the way.