Finishing Operator

SUMMARY:

The Finishing Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient setup and operation of guillotine paper cutters used to trim printed sheets or raw stock to precise dimensions. The operator must ensure quality, accuracy, and productivity while maintaining a clean and organized work area. Experience operating flatbed die-cutters such as Bobst (40"), Thomson (53"), Cahue (79"), Rollem (30"), and Kluge (19") and with guillotine cutters such as Polar and Wohlenberg in various sizes (e.g., 54", 110") is preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

· Set up, operate, and maintain guillotine paper cutters to trim paper or printed material according to job specifications.

· Read and interpret job tickets, layouts, and cutting instructions to ensure accuracy and compliance with customer requirements.

· Program cutter settings using digital control systems to achieve precise cuts.

· Check first cuts for accuracy using measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, rulers) and make adjustments as needed.

· Cut various materials including coated/uncoated paper, cover stock, label stock, and specialty substrates.

· Perform proper jogging, stacking, and waste removal to support downstream production processes.

· Follow all safety protocols for cutter operation, including handling of blades and mechanical guards.

· Collaborate with the Maintenance Department to ensure maintenance and minor repairs are completed to keep equipment running efficiently.

· Work closely with pressroom, bindery, and grand-format teams to meet production deadlines.

· Maintain accurate production records and log sheets.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 2+ years of experience operating commercial guillotine cutters.

• Familiarity with cutter types such as Polar, Challenge, Wohlenberg, or similar.

• Strong math skills and ability to read job dockets, layouts, and cut lists.

• Basic mechanical aptitude for equipment setup and adjustments.

• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and quality control.

• Ability to stand, lift (up to 50 lbs), and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or different shifts as required.

• Experience in commercial printing, finishing, or packaging environments.

• Knowledge of paper grain, weight, and characteristics relevant to cutting performance.

• Familiarity with cutting software (e.g., Polar or similar systems).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

· This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

· The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

· Able to stand/work on feet for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· Manufacturing floor with exposure to cutting machinery, paper dust, and noise.

· Use of PPE as required (e.g., gloves, safety glasses, ear protection).

· Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.