Scheduler – Flexographic Printing Plant

Job Overview

The Scheduler is responsible for developing and maintaining efficient production schedules for all flexographic presses and finishing equipment. This role ensures customer orders, artwork approvals, plates, inks, and materials are available and sequenced properly to achieve on-time delivery. Working closely with Prepress, Production, Customer Service, and Purchasing, the Scheduler minimizes downtime, manages plate and ink changeovers, and maximizes press utilization.

Duties

1. Production Planning & Press Scheduling

2. Build and maintain the daily and weekly schedule for all flexographic presses, rewinders, slitters, die-cutters, laminators, and other finishing equipment.

3. Plan job sequences to minimize:
4. Plate changes
5. Ink wash-ups and colour changeovers
6. Material roll changes
7. Die changes
8. Allocate press time based on job complexity, colour count, press speed, material type, and operator skill level.

9. Adjust the schedule proactively in response to press downtime, urgent orders, artwork delays, material shortages, or quality issues.

10. Cross-Department Coordination

11. Work with Prepress to ensure artwork approvals, colour proofs, and plates are ready before scheduling print runs.

12. Coordinate with Ink Kitchen on ink availability, viscosity adjustments, and colour matching timelines.
13. Confirm dies, tools, and cylinders are available ahead of scheduled jobs.
14. Communicate priorities and schedule changes clearly to Production Supervisors, Press Operators, Customer Service, and QA.

15. Provide accurate lead times to Sales/Customer Service based on capacity.

16. Material & Inventory Management

17. Verify availability of raw materials including films, paper substrates, adhesives, varnishes, and laminates.

18. Highlight shortages and work with Purchasing for expedited orders.
19. Plan schedules to optimize roll usage and reduce waste.

20. Track consumption patterns for high-volume SKUs and repeat jobs.

21. Data, Systems & Reporting

22. Create and maintain production orders in the company's ERP/MIS/label management system (e.g., LabelTraxx, EFI Radius, PrintVis, CERM, etc.).

23. Track job progress and ensure real-time updates for WIP visibility.
24. Monitor KPIs including:

On-time delivery

Schedule adherence

Press utilization

Changeover time

WIP aging

Prepare daily and weekly scheduling reports for department managers.

1. Continuous Improvement

2. Identify recurring scheduling bottlenecks (plate bottlenecks, ink delays, long changeovers, machine constraints) and propose improvements.

3. Participate in lean/CI initiatives focused on reducing make-ready time, improving workflow between Prepress → Press → Finishing, and enhancing capacity accuracy.
4. Recommend process changes for better job grouping and faster turnarounds.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or Printing Technology.
• 2+ years of experience in flexographic printing, packaging, or label manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of flexographic workflows, including:

Plate making

Colour matching

Anilox selection

Material handling

Press setup

• Experience with ERP/MIS scheduling software (LabelTraxx, EFI, PrintVis, etc.) is an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills with production and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle fast-changing priorities.
• High attention to detail and strong organization.
• Proficiency in Excel and production planning tools.
• Solid understanding of flexographic press capabilities and limitations.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site role in a flexographic printing/labels/packaging manufacturing plant.
• May require early morning communication to align with shifts.
• Occasional overtime during peak production or urgent customer requests.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $20.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Work Location: In person