Folder Operator Assistant | Print Production & Bindery

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for how things work? We are searching for a motivated and reliable Folder Operator Assistant to join our dynamic print production team. In this essential support role, you will be the right-hand person to our skilled Folder Operators, playing a critical part in the bindery process. You will assist with machine setup, handle raw materials, conduct vital quality checks, and ensure the smooth, continuous operation of our state-of-the-art folding equipment. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a stable career in the skilled trades, offering extensive on-the-job training and a clear path for advancement in the fast-paced world of print manufacturing. If you are a proactive team player who thrives in a structured environment, we encourage you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate
General Laborer / Warehouse Worker
Mail Sorter / Mailroom Clerk

Advancement To:

Lead Folder Operator / Senior Folder Operator
Bindery Supervisor / Finishing Department Lead
Production Planner / Scheduler

Lateral Moves:

Cutter Operator
Stitcher or Perfect Binder Operator
Quality Control Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diligently assist the Lead Operator in the complete setup, calibration, and adjustment of folding machines (such as MBO, Stahl, or Heidelberg) according to detailed job specifications.
Accurately read and interpret work orders, dockets, and layout sheets to determine setup requirements, including fold type, paper size, and quantity.
Consistently load and feed paper stock into the folding machine, ensuring proper jogging and alignment to prevent misfeeds and maintain production efficiency.
Actively monitor machine operations during production runs, watching for paper jams, mis-folds, or other malfunctions and taking immediate corrective action.
Conduct rigorous and frequent quality control inspections on folded materials, verifying fold accuracy, dimensional correctness, and overall product integrity against client standards.
Systematically remove, stack, and pack finished folded products from the machine's delivery end, ensuring accurate counts and proper labeling for the next production stage.
Perform minor mechanical adjustments to guides, rollers, and folding plates under the supervision of the Lead Operator to maintain optimal performance and quality.
Execute routine preventative maintenance tasks, including cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting machine components to minimize downtime and prolong equipment life.
Uphold all company and OSHA safety standards, maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area around the machinery at all times.
Clearly communicate production status, quality issues, and material needs with the Lead Operator, supervisors, and other team members to ensure a smooth workflow.
Meticulously complete production logs, quality control reports, and other necessary documentation to track job progress and maintain accurate records.
Become proficient in identifying different paper stocks, weights, and finishes to ensure the correct materials are used for each specific job.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis by accurately recording production metrics, such as run times, waste counts, and downtime reasons.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing frontline feedback on machine performance and potential process improvements.
Collaborate with business units, such as the prepress and cutting departments, to translate data needs into engineering requirements by ensuring materials are properly prepared for the folding process.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team by attending daily production meetings, safety briefings, and team huddles to stay aligned with departmental goals.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members, sharing knowledge of machine operation, safety protocols, and quality standards.
Manage the inventory of operational supplies, including banding, cartons, and pallet wrap, and notify the supervisor when reordering is necessary.
Assist in performing machine changeovers between different jobs quickly and efficiently to maximize machine uptime.
Operate pallet jacks or other material handling equipment to transport raw materials and finished goods to and from the workstation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to understand and work with machinery, including performing basic adjustments, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Quality Control Analysis: The skill to conduct tests and inspections of products to evaluate quality and performance against specifications.
Basic Mathematics: Proficiency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to manage counts, verify order quantities, and read measurements.
Machine Operation: Experience or ability to quickly learn the operation of industrial production equipment, specifically in a print or bindery environment.
Reading Comprehension: Ability to read and meticulously follow instructions from complex job tickets, spec sheets, and equipment manuals.
Material Handling: Competence in safely lifting, moving, and stacking materials, including the operation of a pallet jack.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when performing tasks, crucial for spotting imperfections and ensuring precision in folding.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with lead operators, supervisors, and other production staff.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify issues, think critically, and assist in finding timely solutions to keep production moving.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage tasks efficiently and meet tight production deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
Verbal Communication: Clearly and concisely communicate information, ask questions, and report issues to team members.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn new processes, operate different types of equipment, and adapt to changing production schedules.
Strong Work Ethic: Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to performing duties to the best of one's ability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma from a vocational or technical school in print production or a related trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Graphic Communications / Printing Technology
Industrial Mechanics / Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years in a relevant environment.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing, printing, or bindery environment is highly desirable.
Previous experience as a machine helper or production assistant is a significant plus.
Demonstrable experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.