Oversees production workers and production processes involved in the production of books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials and stationery using printing presses.

Supervises processes and printing workers involved in the production of printed material; reviews printing against quality requirements and determines any remedial action required; sets, adjusts and monitors substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions; mixes ink and solvents to standard, and regulates paper and ink supply; determines press operations to check print quality standards and detect malfunctions; produces a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems; prepares plates, blankets and impression cylinders; loads paper into feeding mechanisms; monitors machine operations and quality of printing; undertakes maintenance of machines; produces and manages digital print images, and transferring and outputting images; may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines.

Works indoors in print shops, factories, newspapers and publishers in adequately heated and ventilated work spaces. Workplaces may be dirty from inks and ear-protection is likely to be necessary for the noise from the printing machinery.

• The physical demand is light to medium (somewhat dependant on the size of the operation).
• Standing and walking is frequently required to programme or operate equipment and to move paper/card or other materials about the printing area. Sitting is not required. Squatting or crouching may be required on an occasional basis.
• Stretching out and across is frequently required as printing tasks are carried out. Twisting of the body or neck and bending may be required on an occasional basis.
• Lifting is frequently required for many printing roles but is unlikely to exceed a medium physical demand. The degree of plant automation will determine extent.
• Repetitive movements of the hands and arms are likely to be frequently required for some printing tasks.
• Hand tools are likely to be required to adjust and maintain the machinery. Other machinery including binding and cutting machines and presses may be operated. Contact with printing inks and lubricants or solvents or other materials as cleaners is frequently required.
• Mental skills necessary include organisational, communication, planning and technical skills.

An NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.