Job Title: Print & Packaging Production Planner
Location: Newcastle
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Type: Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented Print & Packaging Production Planner to join our team. Reporting to the Plant Manager and working closely with the Supply Chain function, you will play a key role in planning, scheduling, and coordinating print production workflows to ensure the timely, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of print materials. This role acts as a bridge between customer demand and manufacturing operations, helping to align resources, materials, and capacity with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain short- and medium-term production schedules for print and packaging orders.
* Use ERP/MRP systems (SAP, JDE, etc.) to manage production work orders and scheduling data.
* Liaise with Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, Operations, Finishing, Packing, and Dispatch to align job specifications, deadlines, materials, and capacity.
* Review job specifications for accuracy, feasibility, and resource requirements; raise issues proactively.
* Monitor job progress, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to ensure on-time delivery.
* Coordinate with third-party suppliers when necessary to ensure smooth production execution.
* Maintain accurate production documentation and provide regular scheduling performance reports.
* Work with continuous improvement teams to optimise production efficiency and reduce waste.
* Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
* Strong experience with MRP/ERP systems and production scheduling software.
* Excellent data literacy and ability to monitor KPIs, identify trends, and drive improvements.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to collaborate across multiple teams.
* Proven ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
* Experience in production planning or scheduling, ideally within print, packaging, or manufacturing environments.
Desirable:
* Experience in print or packaging processes (litho, digital, screen, or flexo printing).
* Internal customer service experience and stakeholder management.
* Familiarity with capacity and demand planning concepts.
* Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Qualifications:
Essential:
* Post-secondary qualification (diploma or degree) in business, operations, manufacturing, print production, supply chain, or related field.
* Practical experience in production planning or coordinating manufacturing operations.
* Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel; familiarity with MIS or print production software.
Desirable:
* Formal qualification or certification in print production, packaging technology, manufacturing management, or continuous improvement.
* Experience with capacity/demand planning tools.
* Knowledge of print finishing and packing operations or subcontracted suppliers.
Benefits & Career Development
* Staff bonus scheme.
* 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (factory shutdown at Christmas).
* Pension scheme and life assurance from day one.
* Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme including counselling and same-day GP appointments.
* Free onsite parking, subsidised food options, and regular staff reward events.
* Opportunities for career growth and development within the business.
To Apply
If you are a proactive, detail-oriented professional with experience in production planning and a passion for operational excellence, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our team and help deliver high-quality print solutions efficiently and reliably.
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