Bindery Supervisor

SUMMARY:

Arandell Corporation, a premier leader in high-impact catalog and direct mail printing, is seeking a high-energy, results-driven Bindery Supervisor to lead a team of up to 45 operators and assistants at our state-of-the-art 315,000 sq. ft. facility in Maple Grove, MN. Reporting directly to the Bindery Manager, this vital role oversees the safety, quality, and productivity of our fast-paced bindery department—including 16 high-speed stitchers and complex tab, tray, and co-mailing lines—to ensure world-class print projects are finished, bound, and prepped for distribution flawlessly. The successful candidate will strategically assign personnel in accordance with the schedule, ensure all work conforms to strict job specifications and quality standards, and maintain an adaptable schedule to attend required monthly meetings or trainings (Mon-Wed), supervise Sunday shifts (approximately twice per month during the busy season), and flex to an augmented schedule to cover planned peer absences.

This role offers a competitive pay range: $75K - $85K/year.

Shift: 6AM - 6PM, Thu, Fri, Sat.

WHAT YOU’LL DO ON THE A-TEAM:

• Provide direct leadership, training, and daily task assignments to Bindery Operators, Pocket Feeders, and Assistants.
• Cultivate a team environment focused on craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear expectations and goals; handle personnel development, employee evaluations, and corrective actions in consultation with Human Resources.
• Consult with Human Resources regarding all hiring, terminations, and formal disciplinary actions.
• Manage workflows across high-speed saddle stitchers, tab lines, and co-mailing operations to hit daily output goals and keep client deadlines on track.
• Complete frequent rounds on the production floor to monitor machine performance and employee efficiency.
• Coordinate machine setup (make-ready) and troubleshooting efforts alongside operators to minimize downtime, reduce paper waste, and optimize cycle speeds.
• Monitor all mailing information, including trailer schedules, to ensure data accuracy and that expected deadlines are met.
• Maintain accurate records of production counts, labor hours, machine downtime, and material usage. Conduct thorough shift handoffs to guarantee seamless operational continuity.
• Perform regular visual inspections of finished signatures and bound catalogs to ensure perfect trim, precise stitch placement, correct page collation, and overall compliance with Arandell's elite standards.
• Maintain a positive customer relations approach toward visitors, customers, and fellow employees. Interfacing with other departments to resolve issues affecting customer expectations.
• Actively fosters a safety-first culture on the floor by demonstrating and enforcing high standards of safety-conscious behavior.
• Ensure strict adherence to all plant and OSHA procedures, including proper utilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. Keep workstations clean and hazard-free.
• Administer and coordinate employee emergency response procedures. Follow up on shift injuries to ensure proper medical attention is sought and appropriate facilities are utilized.
• Report daily production information, operational issues, and floor updates directly to the Bindery Manager.
• Interact and communicate effectively with other departments regarding issues affecting production efforts and employee needs.
• Perform all additional duties as assigned by management, which may include working weekend hours, attend continuing education courses, or participating in special projects.
• Responsible for shift-wide communication, safety enforcement, and quality of all products.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory or lead experience in a high-volume commercial printing or industrial manufacturing finishing environment. Deep familiarity with saddle stitchers and inline mailing equipment is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage, motivate, and develop a diverse workforce in a fast-paced, high-stress production environment.
• Strong mechanical understanding of bindery and finishing equipment mechanics to quickly diagnose troubleshooting needs.
• Sharp analytical skills to identify operational bottlenecks and implement quick, effective solutions.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills to effectively direct teams, collaborate with the pressroom, and report performance metrics to plant leadership.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including extended shifts, nights, and weekends, to meet demanding client publication schedules.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate concrete manufacturing floors for the entirety of an 8- to 12-hour shift.
• Attend meetings and/or training as required Mon-Wed (est once per month).
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry items up to 50 pounds independently (such as heavy bundles of signatures, bound catalogs, or machine components).
• Supervise Sunday shift (estimate twice per month during busy season, only very occasionally for the rest of the year).
• Adhere to an augmented schedule to cover other supervisors planned vacation / absences.
• Frequent bending, twisting, reaching overhead, crouching, and kneeling required to inspect equipment and assist with line setups.
• Fine motor skills and physical grip strength are needed to handle materials, manage control panels, and utilize hand tools safely.
• Critical ability to see details at close range to perform strict quality control checks, read job tickets, and identify subtle print or binding defects.
• Ability to work comfortably in a loud production setting (hearing protection required) with regular exposure to paper dust, moving mechanical parts, and varying factory temperatures.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• Company paid life insurance
• 3% 401(K) company contribution
• Employee assistance program
• TelaDoc services

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Arandell is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity. Arandell does not discriminate on any unlawful basis, including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Arandell also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on these protected categories.