Gravure Operator

SUMMARY:
The Gravure Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of gravure printing presses to produce high-quality flexible packaging products in accordance with customer specifications, production schedules, quality standards, and safety requirements.
The role ensures optimum machine performance, print quality, waste control, and adherence to operational procedures while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the production environment.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Set up, operate, monitor, and adjust gravure printing machines to achieve production targets.
• Ensure print quality meets customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Perform machine start-ups, changeovers, and shutdowns according to standard operating procedures.
• Monitor print registration, colour consistency, ink viscosity, and substrate quality during production runs.
• Conduct routine machine inspections and basic troubleshooting to minimise downtime.
• Maintain accurate production records and shift reports.

Quality Management

• Perform in-process quality checks and inspections.
• Identify and correct printing defects such as colour variation, registration issues, streaking, smudging, and substrate defects.
• Ensure compliance with product specifications and quality requirements.
• Escalate quality concerns promptly to the relevant supervisor.

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all company safety procedures, policies, and standards.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in accordance with housekeeping standards.
• Ensure safe handling of inks, solvents, cylinders, and related materials.
• Participate in safety initiatives and risk reduction activities.

Operational Excellence

• Minimise waste, scrap, and machine downtime.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and efficiency.
• Work closely with Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and Production teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Assist with training and mentoring of junior operators where required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Machine efficiency and uptime
• Production output against plan
• Print quality performance
• Waste and scrap reduction
• Compliance with safety standards
• Changeover efficiency
• Housekeeping and 5S compliance
• Adherence to production schedules

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• TT3 Qualification (Printing Trade Test Level 3) – Essential.
• Minimum 3 years' experience operating gravure printing machines in a manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of gravure printing processes, inks, cylinders, substrates, and colour management.
• Ability to read and interpret production specifications and job instructions.

Technical Competencies

• Gravure printing operation
• Colour matching and colour control
• Print registration control
• Machine setup and changeovers
• Quality inspection techniques
• Basic troubleshooting and fault finding
• Production reporting and documentation