NEW VACANCY! (PK9279)
Our client is a leading independent carton manufacturer based in the North West. They are looking to recruit an experienced Production Supervisor / Planner to oversee daily manufacturing operations within their carton printing facility.
This is a hands-on role that combines shop floor supervision with detailed production planning. You will be responsible for managing workflow across lithographic printing, die cutting, folder/gluing and finishing operations, ensuring all jobs are scheduled efficiently, produced to the highest quality standards, and delivered on time.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Plan and maintain daily production schedules for carton printing, die cutting and finishing operations to ensure customer deadlines are met while maximising machine efficiency and minimising changeovers
2. Review job tickets, artwork and specifications to ensure all production requirements are fully understood before work begins
3. Monitor work in progress and adjust schedules proactively to prevent bottlenecks and downtime
4. Coordinate with procurement to ensure board, inks, printing plates, dies and tooling are available in line with the production plan
5. Supervise Production teams across printing, die cutting, and folder/gluing departments, ensuring jobs are completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards
6. Lead daily production meetings to communicate priorities, targets, and operational issues
7. Support machine operators with troubleshooting, job setup optimisation and workflow improvements
8. Monitor machine performance, waste levels, throughput & overall equipment effectiveness
9. Ensure all printed cartons meet customer specifications, colour standards and regulatory requirements
10. Work closely with the Quality team to investigate non-conformances and implement corrective actions
11. Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, PS 9000, and company SHE policies
12. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, SMED, and visual management
13. Liaise with various teams to confirm job details, lead times and production status
14. Prepare and present daily and weekly production reports to management
15. Attend internal and external meetings and, where required, visit customers and suppliers
Requirements:
16. Proven experience in carton printing, packaging manufacturing or commercial print production
17. Strong understanding of lithographic printing, die cutting, folder/gluing and finishing processes
18. Previous experience in production planning, scheduling, and shop floor supervision
19. Ability to interpret artwork, CAD layouts, job tickets, and technical specifications
20. Strong leadership and team management skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
21. Excellent organisational, problem solving and communication skills
22. Familiarity with ERP/MIS systems and Microsoft Office applications
23. Good understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
24. Knowledge of quality and environmental standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and PS 9000
25. Computer literate with the ability to analyse and report production data