The Press Assistant supports the production process by ensuring printing presses are supplied with the necessary raw materials, equipment, and packaging components required for efficient operations. This role assists Press Operators by preparing jobs, maintaining material flow, supporting production runs, and ensuring finished products are properly packaged and transferred.

The Press Assistant plays a key role in maintaining productivity, quality, safety, and housekeeping standards while contributing to overall operational success.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Support

• Understand and support the Company's Core Values.
• Review work orders and production schedules to determine material, packaging, and production requirements for upcoming jobs.
• Ensure all presses are supplied with the appropriate stock, cores, boxes, skids, and related materials needed to support production.
• Utilize manual and powered material handling equipment to move materials safely and efficiently throughout the facility.
• Maintain organized staging areas and ensure materials are properly stored and identified.
• Hang paper stock rolls and assist with stock changes during production runs and job changeovers.
• Perform press setup support functions as directed by the Press Operator.
• Monitor material usage and communicate inventory shortages or concerns to leadership.

Press Operations Assistance

• Operate presses during employee breaks and other designated periods to maintain uninterrupted production.
• Assist Press Operators with machine setup, changeovers, quality checks, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support production efficiency initiatives by ensuring materials and supplies are available when needed.
• Assist in maintaining equipment readiness and production flow.

Packaging & Material Handling

• Label, package, and prepare finished products according to customer and company specifications.
• Scan completed products into inventory and finished goods systems.
• Transfer finished products from production areas to warehouse or shipping departments.
• Remove unused materials and return them to proper warehouse storage locations upon job completion.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through proper material movement and documentation.

Housekeeping & Maintenance

• Empty waste containers, scrap bins, and recycling areas as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout press and production areas.
• Support 5S and housekeeping initiatives to ensure a safe and efficient workplace.
• Report on equipment issues or safety concerns to management promptly.

Shipping & Receiving Support

• Assist Shipping and Receiving personnel as needed.
• Load and unload materials, products, and supplies using appropriate equipment and procedures.
• Verify materials and products are properly identified and handled.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Always wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, or process issues.
• Participate in training, cross-training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support efforts to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and workplace safety.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist other departments as business needs require.
• Participate in cross-training opportunities to build operational flexibility.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this position may be measured through:

• Production Support Efficiency
• Safety Performance
• Material Availability
• Accuracy of Inventory Transactions
• Housekeeping Standards
• Quality Performance
• On-Time Production Support
• Attendance and Reliability

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Core Competencies

Accountability

Accepts responsibility for actions, performance, and work results.

Accuracy

Maintains attention to detail and ensures work is performed correctly and consistently.

Adaptability

Adjust effectively to changing schedules, priorities, equipment, and production demands.

Communication

Communicate clearly and effectively with operators, supervisors, warehouse personnel, and other team members.

Organization

Maintains organized workspaces, materials, and inventory to support efficient operations.

Problem Solving

Identifies issues and supports practical solutions to minimize production interruptions.

Safety Awareness

Demonstrate commitment to workplace safety by recognizing and addressing unsafe conditions and behaviors.

Mechanical Aptitude

Demonstrates a basic understanding of machinery, equipment operation, and troubleshooting concepts.

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Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Skills

• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn manufacturing equipment operations.
• Ability to follow work instructions, production schedules, and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience

• Previous manufacturing, warehouse, or production experience.
• Experience operating powered industrial equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks.
• Previous experience in printing, packaging, or label manufacturing environments.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.

Mobility

• Standing: Constantly
• Walking: Frequently
• Sitting: Occasionally
• Handling Materials: Constantly
• Reaching Outward: Constantly
• Reaching Above Shoulder: Frequently
• Bending: Frequently
• Climbing: Occasionally
• Crawling: Occasionally
• Squatting/Kneeling: Occasionally

Lifting & Carrying

• Up to 10 lbs.: Constantly
• 11-20 lbs.: Constantly
• 21-50 lbs.: Frequently
• 51-100 lbs.: Frequently
• Over 100 lbs.: Occasionally (with assistance or appropriate equipment)

Push/Pull Requirements

• Up to 12 lbs.: Constantly
• 13-25 lbs.: Constantly
• 26-40 lbs.: Frequently
• 41-100 lbs.: Occasionally

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Additional Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate material handling equipment.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Near, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision abilities.
• Ability to work around moving machinery and production equipment.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including: 
• Hearing protection
• Safety glasses
• Safety footwear
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Additional PPE as required by the work area

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Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Heartland Label Printers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the work eligibility of all new hires following an accepted job offer.