Pressroom Operator III (Lead Operator)

Gannett Publishing Service/USA Today located in Rockaway, NJ is seeking a Press Operator III (Lead Operator) to lead pressroom operations on shift and ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. In this role, you will coordinate staffing and workflow, troubleshoot operational issues, and partner with maintenance and support teams to meet production schedules and quality standards.

Job Duties

• Lead and direct pressroom personnel; coordinate daily assignments and staffing; manage workflow to meet production schedules; provide clear shift handoffs and communicate priorities.
• Oversee press setup, make-ready, and production runs; monitor print quality (color, registration, waste) and make adjustments as needed; troubleshoot press/plate/material issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain on-time production while meeting quality and waste targets; identify bottlenecks and drive corrective actions; ensure efficient use of materials and consumables.
• Coach, guide, and train operators on the floor; reinforce operating standards; support skill development and cross-training.
• Promote and enforce safety procedures, PPE, and machine guarding; maintain a clean, hazard-free work area; report incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Complete accurate shift reports and downtime tracking; communicate production status and risks; coordinate with maintenance and support teams to sustain production flow.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and strong organizational/decision-making skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and perform effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, including accurate shift reporting.
• Basic math skills and strong attention to detail/quality.
• Working knowledge of production scheduling systems (Goss, MPS/ABB, Newsway preferred).
• Availability to work rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a lead operator or shift lead in a pressroom or comparable manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with press production systems (e.g., Goss, MPS/ABB, Newsway).
• Demonstrated ability to reduce downtime, waste, and rework through process discipline and troubleshooting.

Work Schedule

This position supports a production environment and may require rotating or fixed shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Requires prolonged standing and walking, stair climbing on a multi-level press structure, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 2,000 lbs. (pallet jack assisted). Work is performed in an industrial pressroom environment with exposure to noise and heat; ability to work safely in confined areas is required. Color vision is required.

The Record operates as part of the USA TODAY Network and Gannett, one of the largest media companies in the United States. Through its print publication, digital platforms, and NorthJersey.com, The Record reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each week and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of modern audiences. The organization's commitment to accurate reporting and community engagement has helped establish it as a leading source of information for North Jersey residents for more than a century.

Working at The Record means being part of an organization that plays an important role in informing and connecting communities. Employees contribute to a mission that goes beyond producing a newspaper; they help deliver timely, relevant information that empowers citizens, supports local businesses, and strengthens neighborhoods. Whether working in production, distribution, maintenance, customer service, advertising, circulation, or editorial operations, team members help ensure that readers receive high-quality news and information every day. The company values teamwork, innovation, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Employees often have opportunities to develop new skills, work with modern technology, and contribute to projects that support both print and digital audiences. As the media landscape continues to evolve, The Record remains focused on innovation while maintaining the journalistic standards that have earned readers' trust for generations.

The Woodland Park facility serves as a major operational hub for North Jersey Media Group and The Record. The location brings together professionals from a variety of disciplines who work collaboratively to support the newspaper's mission. Employees enjoy being part of a fast-paced environment where every role contributes to the success of the organization. Production and operations teams help ensure deadlines are met, maintenance professionals keep equipment operating efficiently, and distribution teams play a critical role in delivering products to customers throughout the region. The work is meaningful because each employee contributes to a larger purpose—keeping communities informed and connected. For individuals seeking stability, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a difference through their work, The Record offers a rewarding environment where dedication and hard work are valued. With a history spanning more than 130 years and a continued commitment to serving North Jersey, The Record remains an important institution and an employer that takes pride in supporting both its employees and the communities it serves.