Lead Operator

Lead Operator - Jumbo Printer Slotter

Job Type

Full-time | In-person

Compensation

Competitive Pay Benefits

Overview

One of our clients is seeking an experienced Lead Operator for a 2 Color Jumbo Printer Slotter in a corrugated packaging manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for leading machine operations, ensuring high-quality box production, minimizing downtime, and overseeing safe and efficient production processes on jumbo-format corrugated converting equipment.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with flexographic printing, slotting/scoring operations, machine setup, troubleshooting, and crew leadership within a corrugated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA, plant safety, and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures
• Ensure proper PPE usage and maintain clean, organized work areas
• Monitor safe handling of jumbo corrugated sheets and machine operations
• Stop production immediately for unsafe conditions or quality concerns
• Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective actions
  
  

Machine Setup & Operations

• Set up and operate jumbo printer slotter equipment efficiently
• Adjust feeder settings, side guides, feed rolls, and vacuum systems for accurate board feeding
• Mount and register flexographic print plates for accurate 2-color print alignment
• Manage ink systems, anilox rolls, doctor blades, and print quality controls
• Configure slotting, scoring, creasing, and trim sections according to job specifications
• Perform blade, anvil, crease head, and tooling adjustments/changeovers
• Conduct first-piece inspections and verify production quality before full production runs
• Monitor machine performance, print registration, slot accuracy, stacking quality, and throughput during production
• Lead efficient job changeovers while minimizing downtime and waste
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and cleaning procedures
  
  

Quality & Production Expectations

• Ensure all boxes meet customer print and structural specifications
• Maintain accurate print registration, slot positioning, score quality, and trim accuracy
• Inspect corrugated materials for defects prior to production
• Conduct in-process quality inspections throughout production runs
• Track and report production metrics including uptime, waste, rejects, and throughput
• Troubleshoot and resolve print defects, feed issues, slotting problems, and stacker jams
  
  

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and support machine crew members during daily operations
• Assign responsibilities and adjust crew workflow as needed
• Train team members on machine operation, safety, setup, print registration, and quality procedures
• Provide shift handoff communication regarding machine status, priorities, and maintenance concerns
• Support continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives
  
  

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 3-5 years of corrugated converting equipment experience
• Minimum 2 years operating a printer-slotter or flexographic press in corrugated manufacturing
• Experience with:
• Flexographic printing
• Print plate mounting & registration
• Anilox roll & ink system management
• Slotter head setup
• Blade/anvil changes
• Scoring & creasing adjustments
• Machine troubleshooting
• Knowledge of corrugated board grades and flute types
• Ability to read job tickets, production specifications, and work orders
• Strong mechanical aptitude and leadership skills
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and assigned shifts as needed
  

Must-Have Skills

Flexographic Printing, Printer-Slotter Operation, Corrugated Manufacturing, Print Registration, Anilox Roll Management, Slotter Setup, Blade Changes, Scoring & Creasing, Preventive Maintenance, Machine Troubleshooting, Production Leadership, Quality Inspection

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical or vocational training in manufacturing, packaging, or printing
• Experience leading production crews in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of production reporting and downtime tracking systems
• Continuous improvement or kaizen experience preferred
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, ink, and moving equipment
  
  

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)