Production Planning Specialist

Smurfit Westrock; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Mental health support

Paid holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Production Planning Specialist in Woodridge, IL to coordinate manufacturing for cards and packaging, ensuring efficient execution and clear instruction across Sales, Scheduling, and Operations.

The role emphasizes communication, planning accuracy, and collaboration with internal and external teams to meet timelines and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years in print production or manufacturing planning.
• Ability to read and interpret safety, maintenance, and procedural manuals.
• Strong mathematical and data analysis skills.
• Proficient with ERP systems and basic web-based pre-press tools.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all manufacturing aspects to meet project timelines.
• Attend daily production planning meetings.
• Communicate detailed instructions to internal/external resources.
• Generate manufacturing job tickets in ERP and issue purchase orders.
• Manage project milestones and change orders with Sales and Scheduling.
• Ensure accurate billing documentation and final paperwork.

Skills

Manufacturing planning

ERP systems

Communication

Attention to detail

Reading/writing instructions

Math skills

Data entry

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP System (ERP)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Production Planning Specialist - Woodridge, IL

GENERAL PURPOSE

Coordinate efforts of manufacturing required to produce cards, card centric packaging and marketing print collateral. Manage all aspects of manufacturing process through written and verbal communication of detailed project instructions. Effectively communicate and collaborate with all internal and external resources, building and fostering relationships within the sales and operations teams.

Essential Job Functions

• Reviews project specifications, compares to sales order and estimate for accuracy, identifying and resolving any discrepancies.
• Attends and participates in daily production planning meetings.
• Coordinates and plans all aspects of manufacturing related to project.
• Identifies and implement operational efficiencies that might benefit the organization.
• Works with estimating to secure accurate estimate to production plan as needed.
• Generates manufacturing job ticket in ERP System that effectively and consistently communicates instruction required for error free manufacturing of product.
• Generates purchase orders that communicate detailed instructions for goods and services provided.
• Submits proofs of graphics, data and label requirements to customers for approval.
• Works closely with scheduling and operations to ensure project timelines are met.
• Manages and communicates status changes of milestones established between client, sales and scheduling.
• Communicates all necessary change orders to Sales, Scheduling and Operations.
• Documents change orders in ERP System, requesting updated proof prior to submitting for approval.
• Submits artwork, with instructions for pre-flight and proof output.
• Prepares accurate and efficient layouts for manufacturing.
• Communicates effectively with all internal and external resources providing detailed instructions, schedules and status updates as required to coordinate the manufacturing of cards and related print and packaging collateral.
• Submits all final paperwork as necessary for accurate billing of project.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field is preferred.
• 3 years minimum previous work experience in print production with an understanding of print manufacturing operations.
• Ability to read and write instructions and correspondence.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals.
• Strong mathematical skills.
• Must be able to communicate with other levels within the organization, providing support to peers as needed.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills (email, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, understanding and enter data into ERP Systems, occasionally interact with basic web-based pre-press systems for the purpose of viewing and or downloading digital files).
• Willing to work hours needed to complete job tasks effectively.
• Must be reliable and dependable.
• Ability to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Safe Work Requirements

• PPE: Safety Glasses, Ear Plugs or Earmuffs, Safety Shoes, Gloves when required, Hard Hats, and any other PPE Required based on the job or task.
• Compliance with Smurfit Westrock’s employment policies, handbook, and workplace safety policies, rules, and procedures.
• Submission of Safety Concerns and Safety Work Order / Incident Reporting and Learning / Basic understanding of the Safety Excellence System
• Follow the site management (General Manager, Plant Manager, Department Manager, Shift Supervisor) assignments for completing tasks and managing programs as part of the Safety Excellence System.
• Must follow Training Matix assigned in the Learning and Development System. Training could be assigned Annually, Quarterly or at the time of a new process / procedure.
• Must have a clear understanding of the STOP Work Process – Employees have the right to STOP the work at any time to gain a better understanding of the process or to ensure safety standards are met.

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• Competitive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational to how we operate
• Competitive total rewards package including medical, dental, and vision coverage options starting on your first day
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions and flexible spending account (FSA) options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and automatic contributions to support your long-term financial goals
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage for financial protection
• Mental health support and wellness programs designed to promote overall well-being
• Generous paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Additional voluntary benefits such as legal services, identity protection, pet insurance, and more

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

The salary range for this position is $62,250.00 - $103,750.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.