Flexographic Printing Press Lead Operator

Eagle Flexible Packaging is seeking experienced Flexographic Printing Press Lead Operators to produce high-quality printed flexible packaging materials on our flexographic printing presses (W&H 10-color central impression wide web press and Soma high speed press). Hiring for 1st and 2nd shift Monday-Friday (set schedule without rotating shifts). Pay rate up to $40 per hour (including shift differential) based on relevant experience and mechanical aptitude. Relocation support available for well-qualified candidates.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Obtain job information from the Prepress Department and assist with anilox selection and color sequence.
• Load print cylinders into the press, set print decks, and adjust registration.
• Set all register eyes and verify bar codes and print repeats.
• Work with the Quality Assurance team to complete the job approval checklist.
• Set trim blades and verify dimensions before the first pull.
• Use technical knowledge and experience to select the correct web path for each print run.
• Monitor all aspects of each print run, including web width and edge position, color, registration, repeat, print quality, and screen quality.
• Bag and tag finished rolls as required and retain samples for the Quality Assurance Department.
• Document production issues, including material problems, downtime, and plate-related concerns.
• Complete cleanup activities and required production paperwork, verifying all information for accuracy.
• Mix inks to meet established color targets as needed.
• Mount, remount, and unmount plates as needed.
• Coordinate press activities, including staging, preparing, and organizing job components.
• Take ownership of training Assistant Press Operators and Press Operators, including developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust training program.
• Take responsibility for department performance related to scrap, downtime, and throughput, identifying concerns and coordinating appropriate follow-up.
• Promptly communicate operational challenges, production concerns, and barriers to leadership.
• Provide input and recommendations regarding production efficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Communicate with leadership regarding business opportunities, including cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and equipment needs.
• Coordinate planned and unplanned employee time off to maintain appropriate equipment coverage and support production requirements.
• Maintain an organized department, including orderly work areas, tooling, materials, and production resources.
• Assist with the installation, setup, and implementation of new equipment.
• Ensure equipment is kept clean and that established cleaning processes and schedules are maintained and followed.
• Ensure that all company food safety and quality assurance procedures are followed. Escalate any issues/concerns to management.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED), or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated experience operating a flexographic printing press and performing press setups, adjustments, troubleshooting, and quality checks.
• Ability to train, coach, and provide hands-on technical guidance to Assistant Press Operators and Press Operators.
• Basic computer skills with the proven ability to learn new software programs.
• Knowledge of and experience with defect-detection systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to accurately complete job-related documentation and clearly escalate concerns.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated accountability for safety, quality, productivity, waste reduction, equipment care, and department organization.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple production needs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent color perception and ability to visually inspect printed materials with or without corrective lenses.
• Physical requirements: ability to sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods and to stoop, kneel, climb ladders and stairs, and safely perform the physical tasks required for press operation.
• Excellent work ethic with a willingness to learn, teach, and grow.
• Enthusiasm for the Eagle Flexible Packaging mission of embracing our Guiding Values that focus on developing and empowering our team members to create valued, trusted, and lasting relationships with both customers and suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the flexible packaging industry.
• Experience developing or delivering formal training programs.
• Prior lead or departmental coordination experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Additional Information:

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent is required to gain an in-depth understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, and guiding values. Work schedules and hours may be adjusted as needed to support production requirements and maintain appropriate department coverage.

Flex Your Potential with Eagle! We are committed to supporting our employees’ career growth and aspirations and provide full-time team members with the following benefits:

• Medical Insurance – On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can choose from 1 PPO/HRA plan and 2 PPO/HSA plans all provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Employees based in Illinois may also choose to enroll in an HMO/HRA plan provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
• HRA / HSA Contributions – Participants in the employer-provided medical insurance program will receive funds from Eagle for either their HRA (for all PPO and HMO enrollees) or HSA (for all PPO/HSA enrollees). The annual amount provided to each participant is based on one’s enrollment tier per the following schedule: $1,500.00 for Employee Only coverage, $3,000.00 for Employee + Spouse or Employee + Child(ren), and $4,500.00 for Family coverage.
• Dental Insurance – On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can enroll in dental insurance provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
• Vision Insurance – On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can enroll in this voluntary benefit through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
• 401K Plan – Plan entry date is the first of the month following 6 months of service. Eagle provides its employees with a 100% match up to 1% and 50% match up to 6%.
• Company Paid Short Term Disability – The Short Term Disability premium is 100% paid by Eagle.
• Company Paid Long Term Disability – The Long Term Disability premium is 100% paid by Eagle.
• Life Insurance – The Basic Life premium is 100% paid by Eagle and is a flat $20,000 benefit for all FT, benefit eligible employees. Employees have the option to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse, and dependent children.
• Vacation/PTO: The amount of vacation/paid time off (PTO) employees receive each year starts at 80 hours (2 weeks) each year, which accrues at a rate of 1.538 hours per week, and increases with the length of employment.
• 8 Company Paid Holidays – Eligible after 60 days of employment.
• Sick Leave – Eligible for paid sick days at the rate of 3 days (24 hours) per year after 6 months of service (prorated for per the calendar year).
• Tuition Reimbursement – Following 6 months of employment, employees are eligible for reimbursement for courses, certifications, and training programs that support their Eagle careers.

Eagle Flexible Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer