Press Operator III/Web Pressman III (1st & 2nd Shift)

Title: Press Operator III/Web Pressman III

Job Classification: Hourly, Non-exempt

Department: Offset Printing

1st Shift: 6 am -2:30 pm Monday - Friday

2nd shift: 4pm - 4am Monday - Wednesday

Reports To: Pressroom Manager

General purpose of Job: The Web Pressman III is a highly skilled, senior press operator responsible for independently operating web printing presses and leading press crews to achieve production, quality, and safety goals. This role has full accountability for press setup, makeready, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, while mentoring lower‑level press personnel and coordinating with maintenance, quality, and management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Independently operate web presses at full production speeds
• Lead press setup, makeready, changeovers, and shutdowns
• Make advanced adjustments to ink, water, registration, tension, and color systems
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, or quality issues
• Determine optimal press settings to meet job specifications and efficiency targets
• Approve press start‑ups and final production quality
• Own print quality from start‑up through job completion
• Ensure all products meet or exceed customer and internal standards
• Analyze defects and implement corrective actions
• Reduce waste, rework, and downtime through process control
• Ensure accurate documentation of quality and production data
• Act as a safety leader on the press crew
• Enforce safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, and PPE compliance
• Perform advanced press cleaning and preventive maintenance tasks
• Coordinate with maintenance for repairs and downtime planning
• Identify equipment risks and improvement opportunities
• Lead and coordinate press crew activities during shifts
• Train and mentor Web Pressman Level 1 and Level 2 employees
• Provide real‑time coaching on press operation and quality control
• Support skills assessments, certifications, and operator progression
• Communicate production status, issues, and priorities to supervision
• Meet or exceed production, efficiency, and waste reduction targets
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in root cause analysis and process optimization
• Recommend improvements to equipment, materials, and procedures
• Support new product trials and process changes
• Any other duties assigned by supervisor

Performance Measurement: Performance feedback will take place both verbally and written on a day-to-day as needed basis, recognition in monthly employee recognition meetings, formal training on changes in SOP as needed with a formal review by the supervisor at least annually

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or GED. Demonstrated experience as a Web Pressman II or equivalent. Advanced knowledge of web press systems and controls. Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills. Ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, and quality data. Proven leadership and training capability. Willingness to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and overtime. Experience with advanced color management and control systems. Mechanical or electrical troubleshooting experience. Experience leading crews or acting as lead operator.

Language and Math Skills:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on -one and small group situations to other employees of the organization.

Physical Demands:

Often standing or walking, may climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Often lift up to 40 lbs & sometimes up to 70 lbs. Use hands to finger, handle or feel. Reach with hands and arms. Vision requirements are close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, & ability to focus.

Work Environment:

Work near moving mechanical parts, fumes & air borne particles, risk of electrical shock, and exposure to toxic chemicals. The noise level is moderate to loud.

Job Benefits:

Employee Ownership (ESOP): Build long-term wealth as an owner in the company

Competitive Pay with opportunities for overtime

Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan with company match