Graphic Production Specialist - Prepress Operator

Have you ever seen a Koozie® can cooler with the name of your favorite band or performer at a concert? Have you ever seen a pen, a magnet, a calendar, a vacuum sealed tumbler, an award, a grocery bag, a ceramic mug, a backpack or duffel bag with a company logo or slogan? If you have, you very well may have seen products manufactured or decorated/imprinted by the amazing team at Koozie Group (formerly known as BIC Graphic). We are the behind the scenes company producing swag and promotional products for our customers. We have amazing brands and products, some of which include Koozie®, BIC®, Triumph®, JAFFA® and more….and we want you to join our Koozie Group Family!

Why join the Koozie Group team:

• People First culture
• Flexible Schedules
• Great Shift Differential (2nd Shift - $1.25/hr / 3rd Shift - $1.75/hr)
• We will train for all positions!
• Climate controlled environment (Clean and Heat/AC!!)
• Great Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, 401k with match, and more!)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Advancement Opportunities (as soon as 6 months)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Annual Performance Reviews
• Employee Discount Program

Graphic Production Specialist - Prepress Operator

Job Summary:

Under general supervision the Graphic Production Specialist sets the foundation for successful imprint-printing production. Using electronic and manual methods provides imprint and production presses with plating materials ensuring that the proper format, appearance, and layout of text and images are positioned prior to mounting plates on press.

Essential Job Functions:

Lifts up to 45-pounds frequently. Team lifts at higher weights.

Accurately reports and records daily production and scrap.

Communicates to Supervisor and/or MFG Facilitator to address any work area concerns.

Works rotating shifts and overtime as scheduled and/or required to meet business timelines.

Follows all Safety and Quality protocols and adheres to ISO 9001; 14001, 6S standards and Lean processes.

Maintains an effective working relationship and communication with fellow employees, including temporary associates, by adhering to Koozie Group policies in all activities and through promoting Koozie Group Vision and Values and Respect in the Workplace.

Visually inspects product to complete required quality checks.

Reach, bend, twist, push, pull, grasp and stand for extended periods of time as well as freely move about the facility as needed for the position.

Reads and follows all Manufacturing Order (MOs) directions.

Reports time accurately.

Supports teamwork and process improvements through active participation in meetings and helping team ideas work.

Understands page layout, imposition, stripping and plating functions required to produce product which meets Koozie Group prepress standards.

Images plates, inspects plates for imperfections, position, presence of copy and color break. Assures correct labeling and delivers quality plates, proof, and paperwork to appropriate area.

Interprets MO’s, job plans, proofs, proofreading copy, file folders, spec sheets, and layout forms to use in processing, proof assembly, plating, and plate inspection areas for sales orders, customs, and foils.

Operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film.

Additional Responsibilities:

To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected.

Continually upgrades knowledge of various computer programs and devices, requiring extensive independent study and professional instruction as needed.

Consults reference manuals, initiates technical support calls and provides follow-up reports on problems encountered and solutions found.

Calibrates and cleans proofing devices and scanner using appropriate software.

Performs scheduled maintenance on equipment.

Troubleshoots problems on own or with maintenance person or technical support.

Monitors supply inventory, orders and restocks as necessary.

Education:

A 2-year Graphic arts certificate or graphic arts experience to include:

Page layout skills, color theory awareness, printing press operations and computer skills preferred.

Job Skills:

Organizational and communication skills.

Reading, writing, and math skills.

An in-depth knowledge of computer software currently used by graphic design, typesetting and electronic color areas is helpful.

Optical skill for color matching and detail.

Job Experience:

Knowledge of quality methods and techniques preferred.

General computer skills.

Use of graphic arts software (page-layout) preferred.

Knowledge of printing plates, proofing tools and materials, artwork, plate preparation tools and materials, micro-perf/micro-score, various chemicals, lubricants and cleaning products.

Machine operating ability and troubleshooting skills helpful.

Koozie Group may change, supplement, or eliminate any part of this job description at any time and without notice.

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm to Keep the Good Going, you will find your way at Koozie Group.

Koozie Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Koozie Group also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Koozie Group will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.