First Pressman

Description

Position Summary

The First Pressman is the lead operator responsible for setting up, operating, and optimizing offset printing presses to produce high-quality printed packaging that meets customer specifications and production schedules. This role owns press performance, print quality, and workflow execution on assigned presses, while working closely with the Offset Pressroom Supervisor to support efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement across the pressroom.

Key Responsibilities

Press Setup & Operation

• Set up and operate conventional and UV offset printing presses in accordance with job specifications, including layout, color, and coating placement.
• Review job tickets, proofs, and materials to ensure press readiness prior to production.
• Perform efficient makereadies, changeovers, startups, and shutdowns to support production schedules.

Quality Control & Standards

• Monitor production quality throughout press runs by regularly inspecting printed materials for color accuracy, registration, coating consistency, and overall print quality.
• Make real-time adjustments to ink, water, registration, and press settings to maintain consistent output.
• Ensure printed output meets internal quality standards, customer specifications, and applicable G7 color standards.
• Proactively identify quality risks and take corrective action to prevent waste or rework.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• Troubleshoot printing and mechanical issues during production to minimize downtime.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and inspections on press equipment.
• Partner with Maintenance and the Pressroom Supervisor to address recurring or complex equipment issues.

Workflow & Collaboration

• Coordinate with prepress and post-press teams to ensure smooth job flow and accurate handoffs.
• Communicate job status, material needs, and production challenges to the Pressroom Supervisor.
• Support efficient job staging and sequencing to meet production deadlines.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Follow all safety protocols, housekeeping standards, and ISO/GMP-related procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe pressroom work area.
• Accurately record production output, materials used, downtime, and maintenance activities as required.

Floor Leadership

• Provide day-to-day direction and support to Second Pressmen and Feeder/Tenders assigned to the press.
• Set expectations for pace, quality, and safe operation on the press.
• Support training and skill development of team members in alignment with Supervisor guidance.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience with offset printing press.
• High school diploma or GED required
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards.
• Strong knowledge of commercial offset sheetfed processes.
• Knowledge of G7 Color Standards.
• Basic computer skills for press operation.
• Ability to work independently and make critical decisions with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• High level of initiative, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Physical stamina to operate and monitor machines for extended periods of time including the ability to lift 60 lbs.

Why Join Us?

You'll be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Every project is an opportunity to make an impact, whether you're designing a carton from scratch, building a prototype, or helping streamline production. We pride ourselves on collaboration, innovation, and delivering work that sets us apart in the industry.

About Premier Packaging

For over 25 years Premier has been a market leader in providing Innovative and Secure Solutions for Printing and Packaging. Premier is the Packaging, Security and Commercial Printing division of Document Security Systems (DSS, Inc.).

With operations based in West Henrietta, NY and distribution facilities on both coasts of the U.S. we service a variety of nationally and regionally based customers. Our client list includes customers in the medical device, food & beverage, and health & beauty industries.

We differentiate ourselves by being a full service, end-to-end solution provider that is large enough to be a complete resource to even our largest clients while still remaining nimble enough to react to ever changing market and customer demands when necessary.

Innovative and Secure Solutions for Printing and Packaging.