Lead Flexo Printer (Ref: PK8811)

NEW VACANCY (PK8811)

LEAD FLEXO PRINTER

COMMUTABLE FROM GREATER MANCHESTER / MERSEYSIDE / CHESHIRE / LANCASHIRE / WEST YORKSHIRE (EDGE CASES)

£40,137K + OVERTIME PAID 1 ½ + PENSION 4.5% + HEALTHCARE + 22 DAYS HOLIDAY + CHRISTMAS CLOSEDOWN FROM 23RD DECEMBER - 2ND JANUARY

SHIFT EXAMPLE: WEEK 1 - 4 NIGHTS / 3 OFF | WEEK 2 - 3 DAYS / 1 OFF / 3 NIGHTS | WEEK 3 - 3 OFF / 4 DAYS | WEEK 4 - 7 DAYS OFF

My client is a leading flexible packaging manufacturer based in the North West of England, specialising in high-quality printed film for the food and beverage industry. Operating from a modern, fast-paced site, the company utilises advanced CI flexographic printing technology as part of a full-service production setup that includes lamination, slitting, and conversion.

The site runs continuous 24/7 operations, with a strong emphasis on quality, efficiency, and lean manufacturing principles. They have made significant investment in both equipment and process improvements which has driven impressive growth and created opportunities for skilled production professionals to make a real impact.

The team culture is hands-on, supportive, and solutions-focused, offering variety and ownership across the print and production process. They are now looking to recruit a Lead Printer to join their team.
The chosen candidate will have Strong background in manufacturing, either label or packaging printing

Role / Responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for leading and operating a flexographic print machine whilst ensuring your print operations are conducted in a safe and controlled manner in line with the required standards and operating procedures.
• Your role will maximise press uptime in line with KPI's, taking account of running speeds and opportunities to achieve operational efficiencies.
• You will also be responsible for directing and supporting any Print Assistants working with you on your machine, ensuring they are operating in line with SOP's.
• Set up and operate print machinery to optimum levels in a safe working manner, ensuring that the machinery and surrounding area are maintained in line with required health, safety, environmental, hygiene and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure that all spills are logged and cleaned immediately.
• Ensure colleagues working on the press are also operating in a safe way and are aware of and understand the required operating standards.
• Deliver and sign off work in line with production orders, proactively monitoring and controlling print quality.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards e.g. BRC, ISO & A2 permit.
• Carry out print inspections & troubleshoot issues with the printing press or print quality. Specifically, identify all non-conformities and correct deficiencies by liaising with the Shift Manager. Seek additional guidance from colleagues in Technical and Quality when required.
• Maintain lean manufacturing priniples including 5s and SMED. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives within Production.
• Complete all paperwork and electronic data in a timely manner.
• Complete change request forms if a change needs to be made or an error is found.
• Complete shift handovers, ensuring the press is in an appropriate operational condition and that the next shift has been briefed on where production is up to and any other relevant production issues.
• Ensure you are on plan and have the next job ready and waiting for your next colleagues on shift - minimise machine downtime between shifts by making full use of the eXact Spectro and IFS6.
• Optimise press change over and run speed. Specifically, ensure that waste is kept to a minimum during print runs.
• Work with the Ink Technician to optimise colour matching time.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other areas e.g. Print Support & Engineering to maintain production standards.
• Assist with the training and ongoing development of colleagues, in particular Print Assistants. Share knowledge and best practice with colleagues, in particular to help achieve improvements in production and quality standards.
• Display flexibility to support other areas of Production as and when required.

Skills, Qualification & Attributes

• Fully trained Flexographic Printer - relevant Print NVQ Level 2 or 3 an advantage
• Additional qualifications e.g. fire safety, first aid etc. an advantage but not essential
• Good level of literacy and numeracy, preferably GCSE level in English and Maths or equivalent
• Extensive flexographic print experience, specifically with experience of solvent based inks and wide web presses
• Experience of Fischer Krecke 126S, 20SIX CS colour printers or BOBST printers an advantage
• Strong background in manufacturing, either label or packaging printing
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement techniques an advantage
• Experience of overseeing the work of others on the print press
• Q.S.E. knowledge/training
• Considerable exposure to quality, health, safety and environmental standards and practices within a production setting