Prepress Production Planner

Job Description

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.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.