Job Description:

Full-time, Permanent Position | Essex, SS5 4AD

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable, motivated and hands-on Shift Print Finisher to join our friendly and experienced production team based in Essex.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in print finishing who wants to develop their skills within a busy, professional printing environment. We would ideally like an experienced industry professional who can confidently set up and operate a range of finishing machinery. However, we are also happy to consider candidates with basic digital print finishing experience who demonstrate the right attitude, aptitude and willingness to learn.

Our finishing department operates a range of equipment, including Horizon perfect binders, Duplo saddle stitchers, Polar guillotines, Komfi laminators and Muller Martini book trimmers. Experience with these machines would be an advantage, although training can be provided for the right candidate.

You will play an important role in ensuring that our printed products are finished to a consistently high standard, produced efficiently and delivered to our customers on time.

Ideally, candidates will live within a reasonable commuting distance of our Essex premises.

Working Hours

The position operates on a rotating double-day shift pattern, Monday to Friday.

Early shift

• Monday to Thursday: 6.00am–2.00pm
• Friday: 6.00am–12.00pm

Late shift

• Monday to Thursday: 2.00pm–10.00pm
• Friday: 11.30am–5.30pm

Day shift – training period

• Monday to Friday: 9.00am–5.30pm

The successful candidate will initially work day shifts during training before moving onto the agreed shift rota.

Key Requirements

• Basic print finishing knowledge is essential, particularly guillotining and saddle stitching.
• Previous experience in a commercial print, digital print or bindery environment would be advantageous.
• A willingness to learn to set up and operate a variety of finishing machinery.
• Good attention to detail, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
• The ability to work efficiently and remain calm under pressure in a busy production environment.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A flexible, practical and positive approach to work.
• A strong sense of responsibility, reliability and punctuality.
• A good sense of humour and the ability to get on well with colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate print finishing machinery safely and efficiently, following appropriate training and standard operating procedures.
• Carry out a variety of finishing operations, including guillotining, perfect binding, saddle stitching, laminating, trimming and other bindery processes as required.
• Ensure finished products meet the required quality standards, specifications and customer expectations.
• Maintain production targets and turnaround times while minimising waste and avoiding unnecessary downtime.
• Check work throughout the production process, identifying and reporting any quality issues or machine problems promptly.
• Work closely with colleagues and management to ensure jobs move smoothly through the finishing department and are completed on schedule.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment, ensuring machinery and work areas are kept in good order.
• Follow all company health and safety procedures, including safe working practices for machinery, manual handling and the use of any relevant handling equipment.
• Assist with other finishing and production duties as required to support the smooth running of the department.

What We Are Looking For

Above all, we want someone who takes pride in their work, is dependable and wants to be part of a team. Technical skills are important, but so are attitude, willingness to learn and the ability to work well with others.

If you have print finishing experience and are looking for a permanent position within a friendly, established printing business, we would be pleased to hear from you.