Production Planner

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognised brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you.

JOB PURPOSE:
To coordinate the end-to-end production workflow across print and finishing operations, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality delivery of printed materials. Responsibilities include scheduling, resource and inventory management, supplier coordination, and cross-departmental collaboration.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Develop and maintain production schedules for printing and finishing operations (cutting, window patching, gluing).

• Plan and place orders for outsourced work and finishing materials.

• Print and verify job bags and provide capacity forecasts (updated thrice weekly).

• Coordinate delivery of outer packaging from suppliers and advise sales teams on job status, overs/unders, and delivery timelines.

• Monitor and manage inventory of print-related and finishing materials, coordinate with procurement for timely replenishment.

• Collaborate with sales and customer service to meet client requirements and ensure accurate processing of manufacturing orders.

• Schedule equipment usage efficiently and adjust plans for rush orders or changes.

• Identify and implement process improvements using lean manufacturing principles.

• Maintain records of schedules, orders, and inventory; generate reports and analyse production quality data.

• Understand site operations to provide support and resolve issues while maintaining positive internal relationships.

KPI MONITORING / PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Deliver site KPIs as an integral part of the role and provide regular reports and updates to site Management on KPI performance and progress toward operational goals.

• Collaboration and feedback from internal customers.

• Accuracy of work and all related documentation set against agreed specifications and internal requirements.

• New knowledge and skills acquired to support individual performance goals with a requirement to complete annual (mandatory) e-learning courses via the GPI University

TECHNICAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience in production planning and scheduling, preferably in the print manufacturing industry with a strong understanding of the full print lifecycle including pre-press and post-press operations (die-cutting, gluing, folding, window patching., reprographics, print operations, and dispatch.

• Ability to forecast and order finishing materials.

• Proficient IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel etc) with the ability to use production planning scheduling tools tailored to print production.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in production planning.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles is desirable to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS and QUALITIES:

• Strong communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to read and clearly write instructions and to also present information in one-on-one or small team situations (e.g., daily production or planning meetings)

• The ability to think creatively and technically.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Good organisational skills the ability to prioritise and adapt workload to changing priorities.

• Proactive attitude who works well on own initiative as well as part of a team.

• Maintain exceptional hygiene standards, continuously leading by example.

• To perform such duties as is deemed reasonable by management in response to changing business circumstances.