Prepress Production Planner

Job description

**Shift:** 2nd shift **Pay Range:** 60k-65k salary **Equipment:** -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. ### Job Description **Prepress Production Planner – Print & Packaging** Salary: $60,000 – $65,000+ annually We are currently recruiting for a Prepress Production Planner to join a fast-paced print and packaging manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for determining the most efficient and cost-effective way each job will run, including press selection, sheet or web size, imposition/layout, materials, and finishing method. The Prepress Production Planner will build efficient impositions and layouts, validate material yields, and ensure each job is production-ready before it is released to Scheduling and Manufacturing. **Responsibilities:** • Review estimates, quotes, specifications, and artwork to confirm the most cost-effective production method, including press format, colors, sides, coatings, and versions. • Determine make-ready strategy and plan for changeovers, versioning, and gang or combination runs when appropriate. • Validate run rates, waste, and spoilage targets against historical and plant standards. • Lead and/or contribute during production meetings and planning meetings. • Create and approve impositions and layouts that optimize yield and throughput, including signatures, step-and-repeat, nesting, and gang runs. • Define press sheet or 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 as needed. • Ensure layouts meet finishing constraints, including folding sequences, pocket orientation, trim allowances, glue flaps, and pharma N-up limits when applicable. • Select the appropriate press or printing process, including offset, flexo, or digital, based on cost, quality, substrate, and volume. • Define bindery and finishing routings such as cutting, folding, stitching, perforating, scoring, gluing, pharma folding, and handwork. • Plan WIP handling and ensure production flow is properly supported. • Confirm regulatory and quality requirements for pharma or medical packaging when applicable, including GMP documentation, line clearance, traceability, and insert/outsert limits. • Specify substrates, calipers, coatings, and inks aligned with performance and compliance requirements. • Partner with Scheduling to align production windows, constraints, and release readiness. • Ensure artwork, dies, materials, and production information are ready before jobs are released. • Perform other duties as assigned. **Qualifications:** • High school diploma or GED required. • Strong knowledge of printing processes, including offset, digital, and/or flexo. • Strong understanding of press sheet or web optimization, grain direction, and bindery operations. • Knowledge of cutting, folding, stitching, gluing, and related finishing processes. • Ability to read CAD files, die files, folding dummies, and technical drawings. • Familiarity with die libraries and tooling lead times preferred. • Experience working with ERP or MIS systems for BOMs and routings. • Strong Excel skills for yield checks, cost checks, and production planning. • High attention to detail and strong data accuracy. • Strong practical problem-solving skills. • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. • Strong organization skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a high-volume environment. • Ability to support and communicate effectively with multiple departments. **Ideal Candidate:** • Background in prepress, production planning, estimating, structural design, or technical print planning. • Strong understanding of print production, imposition, layouts, substrates, and finishing requirements. • Comfortable working with scheduling, prepress, manufacturing, quality, and customer service teams. • Detail-oriented, analytical, and able to determine the most efficient way to run complex jobs. • Experience in commercial print, folding carton, labels, pharma packaging, or related packaging environments.