Experienced Bindery Operator

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Bindery Operator to join our finishing department. This position will primarily be responsible for operating cutting equipment and setting up folding equipment to complete printed materials according to job specifications, customer expectations, and company quality standards. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in a commercial print or offset bindery environment and be comfortable reading job jackets, performing make-ready, setting up equipment, monitoring quality, and troubleshooting common finishing issues. This role requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production setting. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Review job jackets, proofs, samples, and written instructions to understand job specifications before beginning production. Perform make-ready for assigned jobs, including machine setup, adjustments, test runs, and verification of finished pieces against approved proofs or samples. Set up and operate cutting machines, including programming, measuring, jogging, clamping, cutting, and verifying accuracy of finished cuts. Set up and operate folding equipment for various fold types, including but not limited to letter folds, half folds, Z-folds, gate folds, roll folds, accordion folds, and custom folds. Adjust fold plates, rollers, guides, scoring/slitting/perforating units, delivery belts, and feeder settings as needed for each job. Operate equipment to fold, slit, score, perforate, and finish printed sheets according to customer and postal requirements. Check position, trim, fold accuracy, registration, sequence, pagination, orientation, and overall workmanship throughout production. Identify and correct common bindery and print-related issues, including wrinkles, dog ears, scumming, dry-up, out-of-register print, off-guide sheets, gripper/tail issues, skewing, cracking, poor scores, misfeeds, doubles, jams, and inconsistent folds. Monitor product quality continuously and follow company SOPs, quality control procedures, and job-specific instructions. Perform routine equipment maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and basic troubleshooting to help keep machines running safely and efficiently. Accurately enter production data into the company's computer-based task tracking or production management system. Communicate job status, equipment concerns, quality issues, material shortages, and production delays to supervisors or appropriate departments. Work closely with press, mailing, inserting, warehouse, and quality teams to ensure jobs move through production accurately and on schedule. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area. Follow all company safety procedures and use required PPE. Be willing to cross-train in other areas of the plant and assist with additional production duties as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Previous bindery, finishing, or post-press equipment operation experience is required. Experience setting up and operating cutting equipment is required. Experience setting up folding equipment is strongly preferred. Working knowledge of commercial print, offset printing, bindery, finishing, and mailing terminology is highly preferred. Ability to read and understand job jackets, proofs, samples, layouts, measurements, and written production instructions. Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to make equipment adjustments and troubleshoot common production issues. Ability to use rulers, tape measures, calipers, counters, and basic production tools. Ability to perform basic math, including measurements, fractions, decimals, counts, and quantity calculations. Strong attention to detail and ability to identify print and finishing defects. Ability to work independently with limited supervision while also functioning well as part of a team. Good verbal and written communication skills. Dependable, quality-focused, and able to work in a fast-paced production environment. Preferred Experience Experience operating programmable paper cutters. Experience with folder setup and adjustment. Experience with scoring, slitting, perforating, trimming, and folding printed sheets. Knowledge of mailing requirements, fold placement, panel orientation, and postal layout considerations. Experience in a commercial print, direct mail, or offset bindery environment. Physical Requirements Ability to stand for long periods of time. Ability to bend, reach, twist, and move throughout the shift. Ability to lift 10-15 pounds continuously. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. Ability to use hands, wrists, and arms continuously in controlled, repetitive movements. Ability to visually inspect printed materials and finished product for defects. Ability to perform repetitive tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work Environment This position works in a production and bindery environment with exposure to moving machinery, printed materials, paper dust, noise, and fast-paced production schedules. The employee must follow all safety procedures and remain aware of machine guarding, pinch points, blades, and other equipment-related hazards.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

bindery/folding: 2 years (Required) Shift availability: Day Shift (Required) Night Shift (Required) Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location:

In person