Press Operator III

Press Operator III (Lead Operator)

Gannett Publishing Services/USA TODAY CO

Rockaway, NJ

We are offering an hourly salary of $38-$40 per hour based on background and work-related experience.

About the Role

We are seeking a Press Operator III (Lead Operator) to lead pressroom operations on shift and ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. In this role, you will coordinate staffing and workflow, troubleshoot operational issues, and partner with maintenance and support teams to meet production schedules and quality standards.

Requirements

• Lead and direct pressroom personnel; coordinate daily assignments and staffing; manage workflow to meet production schedules; provide clear shift handoffs and communicate priorities.
• Oversee press setup, make-ready, and production runs; monitor print quality (color, registration, waste) and make adjustments as needed; troubleshoot press/plate/material issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain on-time production while meeting quality and waste targets; identify bottlenecks and drive corrective actions; ensure efficient use of materials and consumables.
• Coach, guide, and train operators on the floor; reinforce operating standards; support skill development and cross-training.
• Promote and enforce safety procedures, PPE, and machine guarding; maintain a clean, hazard-free work area; report incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Complete accurate shift reports and downtime tracking; communicate production status and risks; coordinate with maintenance and support teams to sustain production flow.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and strong organizational/decision-making skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and perform effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, including accurate shift reporting.
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail/quality.
• Working knowledge of production scheduling systems (Goss, MPS/ABB, Newsway preferred).
• Availability to work rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a lead operator or shift lead in a pressroom or comparable manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with press production systems (e.g., Goss, MPS/ABB, Newsway).
• Demonstrated ability to reduce downtime, waste, and rework through process discipline and troubleshooting.

Work Schedule

This position supports a production environment and may require rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Requires prolonged standing and walking, stair climbing on a multi-level press structure, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 2,000 lbs. (pallet jack assisted). Work is performed in an industrial pressroom environment with exposure to noise and heat; ability to work safely in confined areas is required. Color vision is required.

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