Flexographic Printer Lead

About Gather Packaging

Gather Packaging is a modern paper bag manufacturing company based in Toronto, specializing in high-quality printed paper shopping bags and sustainable packaging for major retail, grocery, and restaurant brands across North America.

We are proudly backed by Progress Luv2Pak, a family-owned Canadian packaging company with over 100 years of industry experience. With this strong foundation behind us, Gather Packaging is building one of the most advanced, fully integrated paper bag manufacturing operations in the country.

Our facility focuses on  large-format flexographic printing on white and kraft paper substrates , producing premium paper bags for brands that require strong print quality, reliable production, and consistent execution.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced flexographic printer who is looking to take ownership of the press, support a growing production team, and build a long-term career with a company investing in North American manufacturing.

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Lead Flexographic Press Operator to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining inline flexographic printing presses used to produce high-quality printed paper bags. This role requires strong technical knowledge of flexographic printing, colour matching, print registration, paper substrates, and press troubleshooting.

As the lead operator, you will take full responsibility for the press and crew during production, ensuring jobs are completed safely, efficiently, on time, and to specification. You will work closely with production, quality, maintenance, and management teams to support daily output, improve print consistency, and help train developing operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate inline flexographic printing presses for paper bag production
• Print on white kraft, natural kraft, and other uncoated paper substrates
• Lead the press crew during setup, production, changeovers, and cleanup
• Review job specifications, artwork, plates, inks, and production requirements before each run
• Mix inks accurately and match colours to approved standards
• Use colour tools, such as Nix or similar devices, to verify accuracy and consistency
• Monitor print quality throughout each run and make necessary adjustments
• Maintain strong registration, colour consistency, ink coverage, and overall print quality
• Troubleshoot print defects, mechanical issues, substrate concerns, and ink-related problems
• Perform routine press maintenance, cleaning, and basic adjustments
• Support efficient make-ready, reduced waste, and strong daily production output
• Communicate clearly with production, quality, maintenance, and management teams
• Train, guide, and support other operators or helpers on the press
• Follow all safety procedures and help maintain a clean, organized, and safety-first workspace

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience operating flexographic printing presses
• Inline / Unitized flexographic press experience strongly preferred
• Experience with large-format flexographic printing considered a strong asset
• Strong understanding of print registration, ink mixing, colour matching, and press setup
• Experience printing on paper substrates, especially uncoated kraft paper, is preferred
• Experience with water-based inks preferred
• Able to identify and troubleshoot common print defects and press issues
• Mechanically inclined and comfortable making minor press adjustments
• Able to lead a press crew and take ownership of production quality and output
• Dependable, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude
• Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs as required

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Opportunity for overtime
• 6% vacation pay
• Statutory holidays
• Paid sick days
• Medical insurance
• RRSP matching up to 3%
• Clean, modern, and safety-first production facility
• Opportunity to take ownership of a key production role
• Training and support from experienced team members
• Long-term growth opportunity with a developing manufacturing company
• Backing of Progress Luv2Pak, a stable and respected Canadian packaging company with over 100 years of industry experience

Why Join Gather Packaging?

This is not just another press operator position. Gather Packaging is growing, investing in domestic paper bag manufacturing, and building a strong team from the ground up.

For the right person,  this role offers the opportunity to become a key technical leader on the production floor, help shape print standards, support operator development, and grow with the company as we expand.

If you are an experienced flexographic printer who takes pride in craftsmanship, print quality, reliability, and leading by example, we would love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $35.00-$45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Experience:

• Flexographic Printer: 5 years (required)
• Water-based inks and paper substrates: 5 years (required)
• Ink mixing, color matching, and print registration: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person