Press Operator - Offset, Sheetfed

Meredith-Webb is a commercial offset printing company built on quality, precision, and reliability. Our team runs a demanding, multi-shift production floor — large-format sheetfed presses, bindery and finishing equipment, and full prepress capabilities — to deliver work our customers can count on. The pressroom is the heart of that operation, and the people who run it set the standard for everything that follows.

About the Role

The Press Operator sets up and runs Meredith-Webb's offset printing presses, producing finished work that meets each job's quantity, color, and quality specifications. Working under the general direction of the Pressroom Supervisor, you'll be accountable for both the output and the accuracy of every press run — and for leading the press crew assigned to it.

This is a skilled-trades production role. The quality and consistency of your work directly determines whether a job meets the customer's specification the first time, and your ability to lead and direct the press crew determines how efficiently each run comes together.

What You'll Do

● Set up and make ready the offset press for each job — translating the job jacket into the correct stock, color, and printing specifications.

● Examine plates for defects, correct minor issues, and escalate anything unrepairable to the Pressroom Supervisor.

● Adjust ink flow, dampening, and packing to hold color, density, and registration throughout the run.

● Monitor printed copy continuously and make adjustments to keep every sheet on specification.

● Maintain the press — replacing worn rollers, adjusting pressure, and performing routine cleaning and upkeep.

● Lead, direct, and train the assigned press crew so quality holds through the full run.

● Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout practices around press equipment.

What You Bring

● Prior hands-on experience operating an offset printing press in a commercial print or manufacturing environment.

● Working knowledge of the mechanics and capabilities of an offset press.

● Average or better color discrimination — able to evaluate color and color shifts on press.

● Mechanical aptitude to make press adjustments and minor repairs with hand tools.

● Ability to read and follow written job specifications and set-up instructions accurately.

● High school diploma or GED.

Nice to Have

● 3–5 years of offset press operating experience.

● Prior experience leading or directing a press crew.

● Familiarity with KBA equipment used in the Meredith-Webb pressroom.

Work Environment

● On-site, full-time role on the production floor; shift work as scheduled.

● Frequent standing, stooping, walking, and sitting while operating and servicing the press.

● Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as part of normal press set-up and material handling.

● Exposure to machine noise and ink/press-chemical odors; PPE required as directed.

What Success Looks Like

● Consistent print quality that matches job specification for color, registration, and density.

● Strong press uptime and on-time completion of runs against the production schedule.

● Well-maintained equipment and disciplined routine maintenance.

● An effective, well-trained press crew that grows under your direction.

● A clean safety record with no preventable incidents.

Work Location: In person