First Pressman

Description Title: First Pressman Location: Onsite in Rochester, NY Company: Premier Packaging Corporation Position Type: Full-Time Position Summary The First Pressman is the lead operator responsible for setting up, operating, and optimizing offset printing presses to produce high-quality printed packaging that meets customer specifications and production schedules.

This role owns press performance, print quality, and workflow execution on assigned presses, while working closely with the Offset Pressroom Supervisor to support efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement across the pressroom.

Key Responsibilities

Press Setup & Operation Set up and operate conventional and UV offset printing presses in accordance with job specifications, including layout, color, and coating placement. Review job tickets, proofs, and materials to ensure press readiness prior to production. Perform efficient makereadies, changeovers, startups, and shutdowns to support production schedules.

Quality Control & Standards Monitor production quality throughout press runs by regularly inspecting printed materials for color accuracy, registration, coating consistency, and overall print quality. Make real-time adjustments to ink, water, registration, and press settings to maintain consistent output. Ensure printed output meets internal quality standards, customer specifications, and applicable G7 color standards.

Proactively identify quality risks and take corrective action to prevent waste or rework. Troubleshooting & Maintenance Troubleshoot printing and mechanical issues during production to minimize downtime. Perform routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and inspections on press equipment. Partner with Maintenance and the Pressroom Supervisor to address recurring or complex equipment issues.

Workflow & Collaboration Coordinate with prepress and post-press teams to ensure smooth job flow and accurate handoffs. Communicate job status, material needs, and production challenges to the Pressroom Supervisor. Support efficient job staging and sequencing to meet production deadlines. Safety, Compliance & Documentation Follow all safety protocols, housekeeping standards, and ISO/GMP-related procedures.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe pressroom work area. Accurately record production output, materials used, downtime, and maintenance activities as required. Floor Leadership Provide day-to-day direction and support to Second Pressmen and Feeder/Tenders assigned to the press. Set expectations for pace, quality, and safe operation on the press.

Support training and skill development of team members in alignment with Supervisor guidance.

Qualifications

5 years experience with offset printing press. High school diploma or GED required Attention to detail and ability to maintain quality standards. Strong knowledge of commercial offset sheetfed processes. Knowledge of G7 Color Standards. Basic computer skills for press operation. Ability to work independently and make critical decisions with minimal supervision.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. High level of initiative, leadership, and organizational skills. Physical stamina to operate and monitor machines for extended periods of time including the ability to lift 60 lbs. Why Join Premier Packaging? For over 35 years, Premier Packaging has specialized in folding carton packaging, producing high quality solutions that protect, showcase and elevate our customers’ products.

From medical devices to food and consumer goods, what we make plays a critical role in performance, safety and brand experience, making the work we do both meaningful and visible. You’ll be joining a team that takes pride in delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement drive success.

Every role contributes to delivering results for our customers. As part of DSS, Inc. and based in West Henrietta, NY, we partner closely with our customers to deliver reliable, end-to-end packaging solutions that balance quality, efficiency, and responsiveness in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Our mission is to be the trusted partner who exceeds expectations by delivering sustainable, high performing packaging that inspires confidence, unites function with aesthetics and performs flawlessly.

We envision a world where packaging elevates the product experience, is shaped through strong partnerships and delivers a distinct competitive advantage for our customers. Join us today! Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization throughout employment.

Premier Packaging does not currently sponsor employment visas.