Production Planner / Scheduler

Company Description

Packaging Specialties has been delivering high-quality retail packaging products since 1989. We are committed to meeting our customers’ packaging needs with exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and prompt service. Our product offerings include a wide variety of specialty products such as custom bags, boxes, tissue paper, and printing solutions, all tailored to fit customers’ requirements and budgets. Our knowledgeable and courteous customer service team is dedicated to ensuring satisfaction and fulfilling special requests with low quantity requirements, making us a trusted partner for packaging solutions.

Position Overview:

The Production Planner/Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the production schedule for all manufacturing operations. This role ensures efficient use of equipment, materials, labor, and artwork resources to meet customer delivery requirements. The Planner/Scheduler coordinates closely with Purchasing, Sales, Customer Service, Art, Production, and Logistics to ensure seamless workflow and on-time production.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling:

·        Develop and maintain daily production schedules for all manufacturing operations

·        Sequence jobs to minimize changeovers, setup time, and material waste.

·        Adjust schedules in real time due to equipment downtime (planned/unplanned), rush orders, or artwork changes.

·        Effectively communicate & publish the schedule to all relevant stakeholders on a continuous basis.

Artwork Coordination:

·        Review artwork status for bag/box printing and ensure all art files, proofs, and approvals are complete before scheduling production.

·        Coordinate with the Art department to confirm plate readiness, color requirements, and print specifications.

·        Communicate any artwork delays or issues that may impact production timelines.

Material Planning:

·        Confirm availability of raw materials such as board stock, foils, inks, adhesives, and printing plates.

·        Work with Purchasing to anticipate shortages and ensure timely replenishment while minimizing production downtime and delays to customers.

Communication & Cross-Functional Support:

·        Communicate schedule commitments, changes, and priorities to required staff members.

·        Partner with Sales and Customer Service to understand customer requirements, due dates, and special instructions.

·        Provide clear visibility of potential schedule conflicts or capacity constraints.

Data Management & Reporting:

·        Maintain accurate production data in the relevant scheduling tools.

·        Track actual vs. planned performance, identifying variances and improvement opportunities.

·        Prepare daily production reports for team review.

Process Improvement:

·        Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to scheduling accuracy, throughput, and workflow efficiency.

·        Recommend changes in methods, equipment utilization, or workflow to meet business needs.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Production Planning and developing detailed Production Schedules to meet project deadlines.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess production performance and implement improvements.
• Excellent Planning and organizational abilities to coordinate resources efficiently and maintain operational goals.
• Strong Communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with relevant software tools and a working knowledge of production management systems is preferred. Experience with Acumatica is a plus. Strong analytical experience in platforms such as Excel & Tableau is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in the packaging manufacturing or a similar industry is an asset.