Bindery Lead Cutter Operator

Position Overview

The Lead Cutter Operator oversees cutting and folding operations within the finishing department, ensuring all materials are processed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules. This role combines hands-on equipment operation, supporting a team of operators and ensuring all jobs meet quality, safety and delivery standards with team leadership, training, and workflow coordination.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain cutting and folding equipment (e.g., guillotine cutters, programmable cutters, folder machines)
• Read and interpret job tickets, layouts, and specifications for both cutting and folding requirements
• Approve all finishing processes before the run process or assign an approver in absence
• Ensure accurate trimming, sizing, and folding of printed materials to meet customer specifications
• Monitor quality throughout both cutting and folding processes and adjust as needed
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on cutting and folding equipment
• Coordinate with scheduling and production teams to meet deadlines
• Lead, train, and support cutter and folder operators and assistant
• Assign daily tasks and balance workloads across cutting and folding operations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for production issues during the shift
• Work closely with all internal customers: QC, AC’s, Department Managers, etc.
• Make sure all maintenance is performed on all equipment.
• Attend production/planning / manager meetings daily or as needed
• Review daily all bindery supplies, carton inventories and order as required
• Review and edit all traditional bindery department daily time sheets, maintaining accurate data entry.
• Order special materials for jobs as needed
• Check in with Digital print department daily, schedule all digital work through finishing
• Work with sales staff to help with customer needs and requests, Issues, capabilities.
• Schedule temporary personnel daily based on workflow
• Maintain positive mental attitude, professional communications

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in print finishing, with hands-on operation of programmable cutting equipment and automated folding systems. Strong understanding of paper properties, grain direction, and finishing processes. Previous leadership or team lead experience preferred. Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices.
• Ability to clearly communicate and provide written instructions, as well as understand and follow written and verbal directions in English
• Capable of performing all duties in accordance with job-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Proficient in computer applications, including spreadsheets and email systems, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and technologies
• Demonstrates the ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Proven ability to solve practical problems and manage a variety of variables in situations with limited standardization.
• Skilled in interpreting instructions presented in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based formats.
• Competent in operating standard office equipment, including telephone systems, computers, keyboards, mouse devices, calculators, and photocopiers/fax machines.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business publications, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Demonstrates reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and team leadership

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• print finishing: 3 years (Required)
• programmable cutting equipment: 3 years (Required)
• automated folding systems: 3 years (Required)
• Leadership: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30