Lead Offset Press Operator - 1st shift

Sheboygan Paper Box Company is a well-established, employee-focused packaging manufacturer where quality, teamwork, and craftsmanship matter. We’re looking for a skilled Lead Sheetfed Offset Press Operator who takes pride in producing high-quality work, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to be part of a stable company with modern equipment and a collaborative pressroom culture.

Schedule: 1st Shift: Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

About the Role & Essential Skills

In this lead role, you will work as part of a 3-person press crew to safely produce high-quality printed packaging. You’ll take ownership of press operations, troubleshoot issues, and support team members while ensuring production, quality, and safety standards are met. This role is well-suited for an experienced sheetfed offset professional who enjoys hands-on presswork, mentoring others, and contributing to an organized, efficient pressroom.

The ideal candidate can work with minimal supervision, understands all aspects of sheetfed offset printing, and consistently meets registration and color standards. Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, knowledge of press crew organization and die position, familiarity with Quality Control programs, and clear communication with supervisors and other departments are essential.

Compensation & Incentives

Hourly Wage: $29.25-$30.75, based on experience.

Sign-on incentive may be available up to $8,000 (paid out over 18 month period), depending on prior experience and the specific printing press equipment the candidate has worked with.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and participate in a 3-person press crew to produce high-quality printed products

Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot sheetfed offset printing presses

Achieve and maintain registration, color standards, and overall print quality

Assist feeder operators and assistant pressmen as needed

Hang plates, prepare loads, and verify substrates, sheet size, and caliper

Mix inks, maintain proper ink levels, and ensure correct PMS color matching

Replace blankets and monitor for imperfections such as smashed blankets, scratches, or other defects

Review job specifications prior to production to ensure correct materials, inks, and plate sequencing

Coordinate with the Print Department Supervisor on scheduling and workflow

Communicate with other departments to maintain efficient production flow

Order inks and printing supplies from approved company vendors

Train and mentor assistant and feeder pressmen on press operations, quality expectations, and safety practices

Operate Power Industrial Vehicles as required

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required

5+ years of sheetfed offset lithographic printing experience preferred
(Candidates with less experience or other relevant printing backgrounds will be considered)

Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability

Ability to read a tape measure in both standard and metric units

Working knowledge of PMS color systems

Familiarity with Quality Control procedures in a production environment

Ability to learn and use printing software associated with KBA printing presses

Commitment to safe work practices

Career Opportunities/Benefits:

As a growing, successful firm in the broader paperboard packaging industry, SPBCo offers numerous opportunities for the right candidate, to include new employee training schedules, skilled-trade positions within the folding carton industry and an active coaching and development culture. We also offer a full benefits package which includes health, dental, life insurance, short/long term disability, Flexible Spending Program, Teladoc Program, 10 paid holidays, a progressive paid vacation schedule, personal time off (PTO), employee assistant program (EAP), 401(k) with company match and Profit-Sharing plan.