Associate Bindery & Print Finishing Operator

About the Opportunity

Brooksource is partnering with a leading client in the commercial printing industry to hire an Associate Bindery & Print Finishing Operator. This is a hands-on production role for someone interested in manufacturing, machine operation, quality-focused work, and learning a skilled trade within commercial printing.

Prior print or bindery experience is helpful but not required. Our client is committed to training dependable, coachable individuals who have strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a desire to build a long-term career in manufacturing.

What Is Bindery & Print Finishing?

In commercial printing, the bindery and finishing department transforms printed materials into finished, customer-ready products. After materials are printed, they may be cut, folded, stitched, assembled, packaged, or prepared for mailing. This role supports the equipment and production processes used to finish brochures, booklets, direct mail pieces, marketing materials, and other printed communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup, operation, and monitoring of print finishing equipment.
• Learn to support folding, cutting, stitching, die-cutting, inserting, packaging, and related production processes.
• Feed, stack, sort, inspect, and package printed materials throughout production.
• Inspect finished products for quality, accuracy, alignment, folds, cuts, and overall appearance.
• Follow job tickets, production instructions, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with production team members to keep jobs on schedule.
• Assist with basic troubleshooting when equipment jams, slows down, or produces inconsistent results.
• Support routine cleaning and preventative maintenance to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.

Equipment You May Learn

Training may include exposure to:

• Folding machines
• Paper cutters
• Saddle stitchers
• Die cutters
• Inserters and mail processing equipment
• Packaging equipment
• Other commercial print finishing machinery

Experience with equipment such as MBO, Stahl, Muller Martini, Polar, or Heidelberg is a plus, but not required.

Ideal Candidate Background

Experience in any of the following is beneficial:

• Manufacturing or production
• Machine operation
• Warehouse or distribution
• Packaging or fulfillment
• Assembly or quality inspection
• Print shop or sign shop
• Skilled trades or technical training
• Military logistics or maintenance

No commercial printing experience is required. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, safety-minded, and eager to learn.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Interest in manufacturing, production, or machine operation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and safety procedures.
• Previous experience in production, warehouse, machine operation, fulfillment, quality inspection, packaging, printing, bindery, or basic mechanical troubleshooting is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout a production shift.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Frequent walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and stooping.
• Manual dexterity to safely operate machinery and inspect finished products.
• Ability to work safely around moving mechanical equipment.

Career Growth

This position offers the opportunity to develop specialized manufacturing and commercial printing skills while building a long-term career. Successful team members can grow into advanced machine operation, lead operator, production coordination, quality assurance, mailing operations, and other print production leadership roles.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Profit sharing
• Medical and dental insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Overtime opportunities
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities