Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Function: Operations / Supply Chain
 

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 45 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Job Brief

We are seeking a Print Planner to support the day-to-day execution of the manufacturing plan at our Newcastle tinplate printing site. This role plays a key part in supporting manufacturing operations through effective administration, materials coordination, and production plan control. Working closely with Manufacturing, Warehouse, Pre-Press and Quality teams, the role ensures materials, data, and plans are accurately maintained to support on-time delivery and efficient plant operations.

The position is ideal for someone with strong attention to detail, a structured mindset, and experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

What You Will Do

As Print Planner, you will:

• Support the Production Plan: Maintain and administer weekly production plans based on orders, delivery requirements, and material availability.
• Material Control: Check availability of tinplate and other materials; coordinate with warehouse teams on material preparation and unpacking for production.
• ERP Administration: Maintain accurate planning and materials data, ensuring system integrity and alignment with shop floor activity.
• Progress Monitoring: Track progress against plan and highlight issues or deviations.
• Daily Coordination: Participate in plant meetings, support priority changes, and update plans and data as required.
• Shipment & Inventory Checks: Monitor shipment status and verify numbers administratively against the production plan.
• Supplier Liaison: Liaise with raw material suppliers as required to support continuity of supply.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment, ideally within packaging, printing, or metal processing.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Understanding of production planning, material control, and manufacturing data processes.
• Graduate-level qualification in a relevant discipline preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years’ experience in a similar operational, planning, or administrative role.
   

Skills & Attributes

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Methodical, systematic approach to tasks and problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across teams.
• Proactive, commercially aware, and comfortable working in a fast-paced plant environment.
• Strong IT skills, including spreadsheets, databases, and operational systems.

Why Join Us

• Holidays: 25 days per year + 8 bank holidays (or equivalent in Hours)
• Pension: Automatic enrolment of 6% employee contributions and 9% employer contribution. Scheme administered by AON Master Trust.
• Medical insurance (cash plan): Company pays for Westfield individual membership if they wish to join it.
• UNUM Help at Hand: Private medical / EAP - GP appointments & prescriptions,
• various types of counselling & advice, and discounts for various high street shops/brands.
• Group Life Assurance: Currently x7 annual salary
• Heavily subsidised food vending machines onsite, and free fruit on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
  
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We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.