Heidelberg Press Operator - Trading Card Production
Summary
Operate Heidelberg offset presses to produce high-quality trading cards, ensuring color accuracy, registration, and defect-free output while meeting daily production targets.
About Us
About the Team
Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.
Role Summary
As a highly skilled Heidelberg Press Operator specializing in the production of premium trading cards, this role demands expert-level knowledge of offset press operations, exceptional attention to detail, and a deep understanding of color management and print quality standards. Operators are responsible for maintaining rigorous production metrics while ensuring each printed sheet meets the exacting specifications required for collector-grade trading cards.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate and Maintain Heidelberg Offset Presses: Run high-speed Heidelberg presses (e.g., XL 106, CD 102) with minimal downtime while ensuring maximum output efficiency and quality consistency.
- Quality Control: Execute advanced quality checks including color consistency, registration, coating integrity, and defect elimination, adhering to industry-leading visual and technical standards for trading card production.
- Color Management: Utilize spectrophotometry, densitometers, and closed-loop color systems to achieve and maintain exact color targets within tight tolerances.
- Production Metrics: Meet or exceed daily production goals, maintain press efficiency KPIs, and track waste reduction as part of lean manufacturing initiatives.
- Problem Solving: Diagnose and correct mechanical or print-related issues in real time to avoid production delays and reduce spoilage.
- Collaboration: Work closely with prepress, finishing, and QA departments to align print output with design intent and customer expectations.
- Documentation & Reporting: Accurately document press settings, quality control data, and maintenance activities for traceability and continuous improvement initiatives.
Core Competencies and Skills
- Extensive experience operating Heidelberg multicolor offset presses in a high-volume production environment.
- Proven ability to meet tight tolerances and exacting quality standards, especially in markets such as premium trading cards or fine art reproduction.
- Strong understanding of substrate behavior, ink formulations, coating techniques, and registration requirements.
- Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and machine maintenance to protect press integrity and ensure long-term performance.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot issues independently and collaborate with other departments to resolve production challenges.
Education & Experience
- High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
- Proficient and knowledgeable regarding machine set up, troubleshooting and operation as well as directing crew.
- Minimum of 10 years Press Operation experience.
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