Saint Paul
Job Description Job Title: Finishing Lead (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead) Job Description The Finishing Lead (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead) oversees folding, gluing, inkjet addressing, and related print finishing operations in a hands-on production environment. This role sets up and operates finishing equipment, leads a small production crew, and ensures all jobs are completed safely, accurately, on schedule, and to customer specifications. It is well-suited for an experienced print finishing professional who brings strong mechanical aptitude, proven production experience, and the ability to guide and support a team while maintaining high quality standards. Responsibilities • Set up, operate, and monitor folder gluer, inkjet, and related finishing equipment to meet job specifications and quality requirements., • Lead a small production crew on the finishing line, providing hands-on guidance, direction, and support throughout each shift., • Ensure all finishing jobs are completed safely, accurately, and on time, following work orders and customer specifications., • Inspect in-process and finished work for quality, making adjustments to equipment and processes as needed to maintain standards., • Coordinate material usage and replenishment with warehouse and inventory teams to keep production running smoothly., • Communicate with supervisors, customer service, and other departments to resolve production issues and clarify job requirements., • Support die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, and other finishing operations as needed to meet production demands., • Ensure proper handling, labeling, boxing, and staging of finished goods for shipping and further processing., • Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize throughput., • Assist with hand stacking, boxing, and staging of finished product when required, working collaboratively with the broader production team., • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all safety procedures and guidelines., • Hands-on experience in print finishing, bindery, or converting operations, including exposure to folder gluer and printing or finishing equipment., • Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to set up, operate, and adjust production machinery safely and efficiently., • Proven ability to lead or guide a small production crew in a manufacturing or print finishing environment., • Solid understanding of quality standards in print finishing, with the ability to inspect work and make necessary adjustments., • Ability to read and follow job tickets, work orders, and customer specifications accurately., • Effective communication skills to coordinate with supervisors, customer service, warehouse, and other departments., • Experience with print finishing processes such as die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, and other converting operations., • Experience operating or supporting printing machines or printing presses in a production setting., • Comfort working in a job-shop environment where work changes frequently and no two days are exactly the same., • Willingness to cross-train on multiple pieces of finishing equipment and support various stages of production., • Ability to perform manual tasks such as hand stacking, boxing, and staging of finished product when needed. You will join a stable, long-established print finishing operation with nearly five decades of industry experience and a reputation for excellence. The culture is supportive and team-oriented, with many long-tenured employees who value collaboration and shared success. You will work in a hands-on leadership role where your expertise directly influences production quality and team development, while benefiting from cross-training across die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, and other finishing disciplines. The organization offers competitive lead-level compensation, paid vacation, a 401(k) retirement plan with profit sharing, and occasional free lunches, providing both financial security and everyday appreciation. This is an opportunity to build a long-term career in a skilled trade that remains in demand, within an environment that values your growth, stability, and work-life balance. Work Environment The work environment is clean, well-lit, and temperature-controlled, providing a comfortable and professional production setting. The culture is highly team-oriented, and employees generally appear engaged and satisfied, with many individuals having built careers of over 30 years. The operation functions as a job shop, so work varies based on customer orders and each day can bring different projects and tasks. You will have the opportunity to learn and run a wide range of die cutting, foiling, and finishing equipment, while also pitching in on hand stacking, boxing, and staging of finished product when jobs change or run out. Primary shift options include a first shift from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM and a second shift from 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM, with the possibility of working later, up to 4:00 AM, and on Fridays when production requires overtime. The environment emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, and mutual support to ensure all work is completed efficiently and to a high standard. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of SAINT PAUL, MN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision, • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), • Short and long-term disability, • Health Spending Account (HSA), • Transportation benefits, • Employee Assistance Program About Aerotek: We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. Company DescriptionWe know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.