Offset First Press Operator

As a global marketing experience company, Quad’s goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness. We’ve built a rich legacy by believing in our people, allowing them to act like owners and to take charge of their own success. Whether an operator, sales rep, a graphic artist or a clinician, we’re all driven to perform at our best— for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we’re a company that believes we can always create a better way. Offset First Press Operator

Location:
Hartford, WI Pay: Starting at $25.00 / hour or more, based on relevant experience and work history Paid Relocation: Available for qualified candidates relocating from 100+ miles away. Shift Options Available:
- 12-hour rotating schedule (days and nights) Schedule: 12-hour compressed work schedule (3/4 or 4/3 rotation), working only 182 days per year while maintaining full-time pay and benefits. Experience Required: This is an experienced Web Offset Press Operator (First Press) position. Previous commercial printing press operating experience is required. Experience operating web offset presses is preferred; however, candidates with experience operating sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure, or other commercial printing press platforms are encouraged to apply. Produce Printed Products Millions of People See Every Day Every day, millions of people see the products we produce—from magazines and catalogs to retail advertising, direct mail, and other printed products. At Quad, you'll work with advanced technology, produce high-quality printed materials, and build a long-term career with a company that invests in its people. Hartford is one of Quad's largest manufacturing campuses and an important part of our nationwide production network. Here, you'll work with advanced printing technology while supporting the production of magazines, catalogs, and retail advertising products seen across the country. As home to our CRT ink manufacturing division, Hartford is also a center for innovation and continuous improvement, making it an exciting place to build a manufacturing career with room to grow. Position Summary Quad is seeking an experienced Web Offset Press Operator (First Press) to join our Hartford manufacturing team. In this leadership role, you'll operate and maintain advanced web offset printing equipment while leading press crews to achieve safety, quality, and production goals. You'll oversee press performance, troubleshoot equipment, mentor team members, and drive continuous improvement in one of North America's largest commercial printing operations. Experience operating Harris, Heidelberg, Goss, Manroland, or similar web offset presses is highly preferred. Candidates with experience operating other commercial printing press platforms are encouraged to apply.

What You'll Do
- Operate and maintain web offset presses and auxiliary equipment.
- Lead and direct press crew members to achieve production, quality, and safety goals.
- Perform press set-ups, make-readies, and routine maintenance procedures.
- Troubleshoot press, folder, reel, stacker, and related equipment to minimize downtime.
- Maintain proper ink and water balance while monitoring color consistency, registration, and print quality.
- Read and interpret job tickets, customer specifications, and production requirements.
- Coordinate maintenance activities and communicate equipment needs.
- Maintain production records, downtime documentation, and quality reports.
- Promote and support safety initiatives, 6S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Train, mentor, and develop pressroom team members.
- Collaborate with supervisors and cross-functional teams to improve productivity and performance.
- Perform other duties as assigned. What We're Looking For
- Previous commercial printing press operating experience is required.
- Experience operating web offset presses is preferred.
- Candidates with experience operating sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure, or other commercial printing press platforms are encouraged to apply.
- Experience operating Harris, Heidelberg, Goss, Manroland, or similar presses is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of offset printing processes, color management, registration, ink distribution, and print quality standards.
- Experience troubleshooting web breaks, tension systems, folders, and related press equipment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to train, mentor, and develop team members.
- Ability to read and interpret job tickets, production specifications, and work instructions.
- Basic math skills related to press operations.
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to safely perform job duties, follow work instructions, and communicate effectively with te