Print Production Planner

Manpower UK Ltd; North Shields; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency in the UK is seeking a Print Production Planner to optimize production capacity and manage scheduling. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in production planning, proficiency in ERP systems like SAP, and excellent communication skills. This role involves coordinating with multiple departments to ensure timely delivery of print jobs while maintaining quality standards. A relevant degree and practical experience in manufacturing or supply chain are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in production planning and scheduling within manufacturing or packaging.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and data literacy.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration across multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules for print and packaging orders.
• Liaise with various teams to ensure alignment on job specifications.
• Track job progress and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Work on continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Production planning

Scheduling

ERP/MRP systems

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

JDE

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Specification: Print Production Planner

Location: Newcastle

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Reports To: Supply Chain Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Print Production Planner to join our dynamic and growing manufacturing team in Newcastle. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager and working closely with the Plant Manager, this role is a key link between customer demand and manufacturing operations, ensuring that all print and packaging jobs are planned, scheduled, and delivered efficiently, accurately, and on time.

You will play a pivotal role in optimising production capacity, aligning resources and materials, and maintaining a smooth, cost-effective workflow from initial job request through to dispatch. This position offers the opportunity to influence how print operations are planned and executed, supporting both business growth and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain short- and medium-term production schedules for print and packaging orders, ensuring capacity, materials, and labour are effectively balanced.
• Utilise ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, JDE) to manage production work orders, scheduling data, and material requirements.
• Ensure that all production plans align with business objectives, capacity, and customer delivery commitments.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Liaise with Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, Print Operations, Finishing, Packing, and Dispatch teams to ensure complete alignment on job specifications, deadlines, and materials.
• Review job specifications for accuracy and feasibility, identifying any potential material shortages, machine capacity issues, or labour constraints.
• Coordinate with third-party suppliers and subcontractors (e.g., finishing houses, packing partners) to ensure external processes align with internal schedules.

Monitoring & Performance Management

• Track and monitor job progress through each stage of the production process, identifying bottlenecks or risks to delivery timelines.
• Implement corrective actions (e.g., re-sequencing, overtime, subcontracting) to maintain on-time, in-full delivery performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation and provide regular reports on scheduling performance, KPIs, and efficiency metrics such as schedule adherence, downtime, and waste.
• Assist the production team onsite, storing the artwork files in a library (both electronically and physically).

Continuous Improvement & Quality

• Work collaboratively with the continuous improvement and operations teams to identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise equipment utilisation.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions on any recurring production issues.
• Ensure all activities comply with health, safety, quality, and operational standards, communicating any scheduling impacts resulting from non-conformances or rework.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Communicate effectively across departments, ensuring all stakeholders are informed of schedule updates, risks, and progress.
• Escalate production challenges proactively to management and suggest practical, data-driven solutions.
• Support a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the production environment.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Strong experience in production planning and scheduling, ideally within manufacturing, print, or packaging environments.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (such as SAP, JDE, or similar) and strong data literacy for managing and analysing scheduling data.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written - with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams.
• Understanding of manufacturing workflows, including capacity, material availability, and equipment constraints.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Post-secondary qualification (Diploma or Bachelor's degree) in Business, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related discipline.
• Practical experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing coordination.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Apply today