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.