Offset Press Operator

Location: Sturgis, MI

HRforGrowth® is engaged as the talent acquisition partner to conduct this search on behalf of a client organization that is hiring for this role. HRforGrowth is not the employer for this position. HRforGrowth identifies, evaluates, and presents top-tier candidates through its global talent acquisition practice; all employment decisions — including final selection, offer terms, compensation, and conditions of employment — are made solely by the hiring organization.

Role Summary
The Offset Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining multicolor sheetfed offset presses to produce high-quality printed materials that meet safety, quality, and productivity standards. The role involves interpreting job tickets, matching color standards, troubleshooting press issues, and working closely with prepress, finishing, and quality teams to ensure jobs are completed accurately and on schedule.

Key Results Area

Set up and operate sheetfed offset presses (e.g., Heidelberg, Komori, or similar) according to job specifications and production schedules
Read and interpret job tickets, proofs, and production documentation to verify stock, ink, plates, coatings, and finishing requirements
Perform make-readies, including plate mounting, ink presetting, registering colors, and adjusting feeder and delivery settings
Monitor press operation for print quality, registration, color consistency, and overall performance throughout the run, adjusting as necessary
Perform color control using densitometers and/or spectrophotometers to maintain color standards and customer specifications
Inspect printed sheets for defects such as hickeys, scumming, ghosting, streaking, misregistration, and color variation, and correct issues promptly
Coordinate with prepress and quality teams on proofs, color targets, and any required adjustments or approvals
Maintain accurate counts, complete job documentation, and ensure all required labels, tags, and paperwork are properly filled out
Perform routine press maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, roller and blanket inspections, and basic mechanical adjustments to minimize downtime
Follow all safety, housekeeping, and 5S/lean practices, maintaining a clean and organized press area.
Assist in training press helpers or less experienced operators as needed
Communicate issues, delays, and improvement opportunities to supervisors and production leads

Skills & Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of 2 years of experience operating sheetfed offset presses in a commercial, packaging, or folding carton environment (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Strong understanding of offset printing processes, inks, coatings, paperboard/substrates, and color control
Ability to read and interpret job tickets, production specs, and quality standards
Proven ability to set up, register, and run multicolor jobs while maintaining consistent color and quality.
Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills for press issues
Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods and lift up to lbs. as needed
Willingness to work assigned shift, overtime, and weekends as required by production demands

Experience in folding carton or packaging operations
Experience with specific press models used (e.g., Heidelberg XL, Komori Lithrone, or similar)
Familiarity with ISO color standards, G7, and use of densitometers/spectrophotometers
Experience working in a lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environment

Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
Solid problem-solving and mechanical troubleshooting skills
Effective communication and teamwork skills; able to work closely with prepress, finishing, and quality
Time management and ability to prioritize multiple jobs in a fast-paced production environment
Strong safety mindset and adherence to company policies and procedures

Work Environment

Manufacturing/production environment with exposure to noise, inks, solvents, paper dust, and moving machinery
Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety shoes, as applicable
Frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting throughout the shift

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive hourly rate based on experience and shift
Shift differential for 2nd/3rd shift where applicable
Comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and company holidays
Opportunities for training, cross-training, and career growth

About HRforGrowth:
HRforGrowth is a full-service HR and talent partner built to support companies that are scaling, transforming, or navigating change. HRFG is globally recognized for delivering quality, speed, and cost-effective talent solutions across every level of the workforce. Through its global talent acquisition practice, HRforGrowth applies world class rigor and precision to identifying exceptional professional and executive talent on behalf of its clients — from temporary staffing to permanent hourly workers through to placing C-suite executives. HRforGrowth is presenting this opportunity in its capacity as the retained search partner and does not serve as the employer of record for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
In its recruiting and search practices, HRforGrowth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. HRforGrowth evaluates and presents candidates to its clients without regard to any protected characteristic.

HRforGrowth endeavors to advise the hiring organization to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws — including those enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — in its hiring decisions, terms of employment, and workplace practices.

Offset Press Operator

Advatix

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