Ink Kitchen - Operator

Do you have a keen eye for color, attention to detail, and a passion for precision?

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Ink Kitchen Operator to manage the preparation, mixing, and quality control of inks used in our printing operations. The role involves formulating inks to precise specifications, maintaining inventory, and ensuring the consistent quality of inks for various printing processes (e.g.,flexographic, gravure, or digital). The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of ink chemistry, color matching, and printing industry standards, with a commitment to safety and efficiency.

  1. Ink Preparation and Mixing:

  • Mix inks according to job specifications, following formulas for color, viscosity, and substrate compatibility (e.g., paper, plastic, or metal).

  • Accurately weigh and measure ink components, pigments, and additives using scales, mixers, and other equipment e.g GSE Ink mixing machine

  • Adjust ink formulations to achieve precise color matches, using tools like spectrophotometers or densitometers.

  1. Quality Control:

  • Test ink samples for consistency, viscosity, drying time, and adhesion to ensure compatibility with printing presses and substrates.

  • Conduct color proofing and verify matches against client-provided samples or Pantone standards.

  • Identify and troubleshoot issues with ink performance, such as smudging, poor adhesion, or incorrect shading.

  1. Inventory Management:

  • Monitor and maintain ink and raw material inventory levels, reordering supplies as needed to avoid production delays and out of stock.

  • Store inks and chemicals safely, adhering to proper labeling, FIFO (First In, First Out) practices, and hazardous material guidelines.

  • Track ink usage and wastage to optimize costs and reduce environmental impact.

  1. Equipment Maintenance:

  • Clean and maintain ink mixing equipment, including mixers, containers, and dispensing systems, to prevent contamination and ensure operational efficiency.

  • Perform routine checks on equipment and report any malfunctions to maintenance teams.

  1. Collaboration with Production Teams:

  • Work closely with press operators and prepress teams to ensure inks meet job requirements and press conditions.

  • Provide technical support during press runs to address ink-related issues and ensure consistent print quality.

  1. Safety and Compliance:

  • Follow safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and aprons.

  • Comply with environmental regulations and company policies for ink disposal, recycling, and waste management.

  • Maintain accurate records of ink formulations, safety data sheets (SDS), and usage logs for audits.

  1. Continuous Improvement:

  • Suggest improvements to ink mixing processes, formulations, or inventory management to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

  • Stay updated on industry trends, such as eco-friendly inks or advancements in ink technology, to support sustainability goals.

Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Printing Technology, Graphic Arts, Chemical Engineering (with a focus on coatings or inks), or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years experience in an ink kitchen, printing press operation, or similar role within the printing industry.

• Hands-on experience with ink mixing, color matching, or quality control in offset, flexographic, gravure, or digital printing is highly desirable.

Skills and Attributes

Technical Skills:

  • Knowledge of ink chemistry, pigments, and additives used in printing processes.

  • Familiarity with printing substrates and their impact on ink performance.

  • Proficiency in using ink mixing tools (e.g., scales, mixers) and quality control instruments (e.g., spectrophotometers, viscometers).

  • Basic understanding of printing presses and their ink requirements.

Soft Skills:

  • Strong attention to detail for precise ink formulation and color accuracy.

  • Good organizational skills to manage inventory and maintain a clean workspace.

  • Effective communication to collaborate with production teams and report issues.

  • Problem-solving ability to troubleshoot ink-related challenges during production.


Strong preferences will be given to candidates with the requisite qualifications, skills and experience. The title should be clearly indicated as email reference. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Details
Ink Kitchen - Operator

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Published: May 16, 2025

Deadline: May 23, 2025

Start date: Flexible

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