A printing scheduler is responsible for coordinating and managing the production schedule within a printing facility, ensuring customer orders are produced and delivered on time by assigning jobs to appropriate printing equipment and personnel, monitoring production progress, and optimizing workflow to meet deadlines while managing material availability and addressing any potential production issues; essentially acting as the central point of contact for ensuring smooth operation of the printing process.
Key responsibilities of a printing scheduler:
Job intake and analysis:
Review incoming print orders, assess required materials, production processes, and estimated timelines to create detailed job tickets.
Schedule creation and optimization:
Develop a comprehensive production schedule by prioritizing jobs based on due dates, equipment availability, and material needs, aiming to maximize efficiency.
Work order distribution:
Assign jobs to appropriate printing presses, finishing equipment, and operators based on job specifications and production capacity.
Material management:
Monitor inventory levels of paper, ink, and other printing supplies, coordinating reordering when necessary to avoid production delays.
Production monitoring:
Track the progress of each printing job throughout the production process, identifying potential bottlenecks and taking corrective action.
Communication and collaboration:
Collaborate with sales teams, customer service representatives, and production staff to ensure accurate job specifications and timely updates on order status.
Quality control:
Review printed proofs and finished products to verify adherence to quality standards and customer specifications.
Problem-solving:
Address production issues that may arise, such as equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or schedule conflicts, and implement solutions to minimize disruption.
Reporting and analysis:
Generate reports on production metrics, including turnaround times, job costs, and efficiency rates, to identify areas for improvement.
Required skills and qualifications:
Knowledge of printing processes:
Thorough understanding of various printing methods like digital, offset, and large format printing, including prepress procedures and finishing options.
Scheduling software proficiency:
Familiarity with production scheduling software to efficiently manage job timelines and resource allocation.
Strong organizational skills:
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage complex schedules, and meet tight deadlines.
Excellent communication skills:
Clear and concise communication with customers, sales teams, and production staff to ensure accurate job specifications and timely updates.
Analytical skills:
Ability to analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and optimize workflow.
Attention to detail:
Commitment to maintaining high quality standards throughout the printing process
$21 - $26 an hour