Print and Packaging Production Planner

Job Title: Print andamp; Packaging Production Planner

Location: Newcastle
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Type: Permanent

About the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented Print andamp; 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 andamp; 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 andamp; Career Development

• Staff bonus scheme.
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (factory shutdown at Christmas).
• Pension scheme a