Print Finishing Lead
hace 5 días
Saint Paul
Job Description Title: FINISHING LEAD (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead) Company: Larkin Industries (DFC Manufacturing Group) Location: St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN area Department: Operations FLSA Status: Non-exempt (Hourly) ABOUT LARKIN INDUSTRIES Larkin Industries is a specialized print finishing and converting partner supporting customers who need precision, speed, and consistent quality. Our capabilities include high-end finishing processes such as die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, folding/gluing, affixing, and related converting services. As part of the DFC Manufacturing Group, we combine the agility of a focused finishing operation with the stability and support of a broader manufacturing platform. If you're a hands-on finishing leader who can run complex folder-gluer and inkjet work, train a team, and hold quality to a high standard-this is a strong long-term opportunity. POSITION SUMMARY The Finishing Lead (Folder Gluer / Inkjet Lead) oversees setup, operation, and quality output of folder gluer equipment and associated mailing/finishing systems within the converting department. This role ensures folding, gluing, and inkjet operations are executed efficiently, safely, and within customer specifications. This position blends advanced technical skill with frontline leadership of operators, general factory employees, and temporary labor. You'll provide training, troubleshooting, and coordination across departments to maintain workflow, production schedules, and product quality. The role also supports mailing operations including inkjet addressing, barcode printing, and insert matching to ensure compliance with customer and postal requirements. WHAT YOU'LL DO • Set up and operate folder gluer equipment to produce cartons and packaging products according to job ticket specifications and customer requirements, • Configure and run folding styles including roll folds, double gate folds, side seam cartons, auto-bottom cartons, and specialty configurations, • Oversee adhesive application systems (hot glue, cold glue, combination) and ensure correct glue selection based on substrate, product design, and operating conditions, • Lead and coordinate employees assigned to gluing and finishing operations (operators, general factory employees, and temporary labor), • Provide hands-on training and cross-training on equipment operation, quality standards, and safety procedures, • Troubleshoot complex production jobs including multi-insert configurations, iron crosses, durian crosses, tip-ons, and affixed cards, • Operate and maintain inkjet systems for variable data printing (addresses, barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbering), • Ensure proper alignment and verification of top and bottom inkjet printing where required for scanning, tracking, or customer compliance, • Support mailing operations (sorting, co-mingling, insert matching) to meet postal and customer requirements, • Review job tickets, production instructions, and specifications to ensure accurate setup and production, • Perform first-piece inspections and ensure quality control procedures are followed throughout the run, • Monitor output, waste levels, and machine performance; adjust as needed to maintain quality and efficiency, • Maintain accurate production documentation (load tags, job tickets, skid logs, waste tracking, time reporting), • Coordinate with production management, customer service, and other departments regarding job specs, timelines, and operational challenges, • Assist with scheduling and labor planning to ensure adequate staffing and on-time completion, • Perform preventative maintenance and basic mechanical adjustments on folder gluer and related finishing equipment, • Enforce safe work practices and company safety policies within the department, • Support other departments (stripping, finishing, packaging) when production flow requires it, • Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, quality, and operational performance, • Attend scheduled production and operational meetings WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR • Extensive knowledge of folder gluer setup, operation, and troubleshooting, • Strong understanding of adhesive systems, substrates, and packaging converting processes, • Experience with inkjet variable data systems (addresses, barcodes, QR codes, sequential numbering), • Familiarity with mailing processes (sorting, co-mingling, insert matching) preferred, • Proven ability to lead, train, and oversee employees in a manufacturing environment, • Ability to read and interpret job tickets, specifications, and production instructions, • Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability, • Basic math skills (measurements, counts, production reporting), • Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification, • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE • High school diploma or equivalent required, • 5–7 years operating folder gluer or related converting equipment in a packaging, printing, or manufacturing environment, • Team lead experience (including training and coordinating production teams and/or temporary labor) preferred, • Experience with mailing systems, inkjet printing, or variable data printing strongly preferred, • Experience in packaging converting, die cutting, or finishing operations is a plus SKILLS THAT WIN HERE • Strong problem-solving and calm decision-making in a deadline-driven environment, • Clear, respectful communication and the ability to coach others with patience and professionalism, • Ownership mindset: holds quality, safety, and performance to a high standard every day, • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, • Comfortable documenting work, standard processes, and training steps, • Customer-focused: understands the downstream impact of quality and schedule on client relationships WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Manufacturing and converting production environment with moderate to high noise levels, • Required use of PPE in designated areas, • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods, • Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds, • Frequent use of hands to operate machinery, tools, and equipment WHY LARKIN • Lead critical finishing operations that directly impact customer quality and delivery, • Work with advanced converting, folding/gluing, and inkjet applications (including complex insert and compliance-driven jobs), • Join a stable, growth-oriented organization backed by the DFC Manufacturing Group, • Make a visible impact: improve throughput, reduce waste, raise quality, and develop people