Technical Production Planner (Print/Packaging)

The Planner determines how a job will run—selecting press, sheet/web size, imposition/layout, and finishing method—to achieve the lowest total cost while meeting quality and delivery requirements. The Planner builds efficient impositions/layouts, validates material yields, and ensures each job is production ready for Scheduling and Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Review estimates/quotes, specs, and artwork to confirm the most cost‑effective run method (press/format, colors, sides, coatings, versions).
• Determine make‑ready strategy and plan for changeovers, versioning, and gang/combination runs when appropriate.
• Validate run rates, waste, and spoilage targets against historical and plant standards.
• Lead and/or contribute during any production meeting or planning meeting.
• Create/approve impositions and layouts that optimize yield and throughput (signatures, step-and-repeat, nesting, gang runs).
• Define press sheet/web size, orientation, grain direction, bleeds, gutters, color bars, and control targets.
• Plan die layouts and folding schemes; confirm die availability or request new tooling.
• Ensure layouts meet finishing constraints (folding sequences, pocket orientation, trim allowances, glue flaps, pharma N‑up limits).
• Select the appropriate press/printing process (offset, flexo, digital) based on cost, quality, substrate, and volume.
• Define bindery/finishing routings (cut, fold, stitch, perf, score, glue, pharma fold, handwork) and WIP handling.
• Confirm regulatory/quality requirements for pharma/medical packaging (GMP documentation, line clearance, traceability, insert/outsert limits) where applicable.
• Specify substrates, calipers, coatings, and inks aligned to performance and compliance requirements.
• Partner with the Scheduler to align plan windows and constraints; support release readiness (art, dies, materials).
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Strong knowledge of printing processes (offset/digital/flexo), press sheet/web optimization, grain direction, and bindery operations (cutting, folding, stitching, gluing).
• Ability to read CAD/die files, folding dummies, and technical drawings; familiarity with die libraries and tooling lead times.
• Proficient in ERP/MIS for BOMs and routings; strong Excel skills for yield and cost checks.
• High attention to detail, data accuracy, and practical problem‑solving.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Established skills in accuracy, organization, meeting deadlines and working in a high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated ability to support all other departments within the company.