Heidelberg Press Operator - Trading Card Production

About Us

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.

About The Team

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

Role Summary

As a highly skilled Heidelberg Press Operator specializing in the production of premium trading cards, this role demands expert-level knowledge of offset press operations, exceptional attention to detail, and a deep understanding of color management and print quality standards. Operators are responsible for maintaining rigorous production metrics while ensuring each printed sheet meets the exacting specifications required for collector-grade trading cards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and Maintain Heidelberg Offset Presses: Run high-speed Heidelberg presses (e.g., XL 106, CD 102) with minimal downtime while ensuring maximum output efficiency and quality consistency.
• Quality Control: Execute advanced quality checks including color consistency, registration, coating integrity, and defect elimination, adhering to industry-leading visual and technical standards for trading card production.
• Color Management: Utilize spectrophotometry, densitometers, and closed-loop color systems to achieve and maintain exact color targets within tight tolerances.
• Production Metrics: Meet or exceed daily production goals, maintain press efficiency KPIs, and track waste reduction as part of lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Problem Solving: Diagnose and correct mechanical or print-related issues in real time to avoid production delays and reduce spoilage.
• Collaboration: Work closely with prepress, finishing, and QA departments to align print output with design intent and customer expectations.
• Documentation & Reporting: Accurately document press settings, quality control data, and maintenance activities for traceability and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Core Competencies And Skills

• Extensive experience operating Heidelberg multicolor offset presses in a high-volume production environment.
• Proven ability to meet tight tolerances and exacting quality standards, especially in markets such as premium trading cards or fine art reproduction.
• Strong understanding of substrate behavior, ink formulations, coating techniques, and registration requirements.
• Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and machine maintenance to protect press integrity and ensure long-term performance.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot issues independently and collaborate with other departments to resolve production challenges.
  
  

Education & Experience

• High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
• Proficient and knowledgeable regarding machine set up, troubleshooting and operation as well as directing crew.
• Minimum of 10 years Press Operation experience.
  
  

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com). For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers