Manufacturing Support Specialist

Premier Packaging provides innovative packaging solutions through a combination of curiosity, drive, and a culture that embraces an entrepreneurial spirit. We are responsive to our customers needs, responsible to one another and the environment, and improve our processes to deliver quality products. We ask Why so we can deliver the How.

The Manufacturing Support Specialist is a versatile role responsible for supporting production operations in a corrugated box manufacturing facility. Duties include scheduling converting equipment and downstream operations, corrugated and raw materials purchasing, customer service, tool and die management, and inventory oversight. This role ensures efficient facility operations and supports production goals while maintaining strong communication with cross-functional teams. Responsibilities vary by facility size and may encompass all or a subset of these duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Scheduling & Production Planning:
  • Develop and maintain the production schedule for converting equipment and downstream operations.
  • Conduct daily scheduling meetings and shift change meetings to align production priorities.
  • Monitor order volume and communicate capacity concerns to the Production Manager to ensure timely adjustments.
  • Coordinate with the management team to purchase profitable buyout orders from outside sources to alleviate machine workload.
  • Add and subtract orders from the schedule as necessary to meet production and customer demands.
  • Flag obsolete items, collaborating with Sales and Service for proper disposition.
• Material and Inventory Management:
  • Monitor raw material inventory levels through physical inspections and reconcile inventory against backlogs, schedules, and open purchase orders.
  • Place or cancel material orders based on reconciliations and production requirements.
  • Maintain strict accountability of vendor over-runs and shortages and communicate vendor issues regarding quality and on-time deliveries through appropriate channels.
  • Communicate daily with supervisors about inbound, late, canceled, or adjusted material deliveries, ensuring seamless material flow.
  • Conduct daily space assessments and collaborate with supervisors to optimize process capability.
• Purchasing & Vendor Coordination:
  • Source and procure corrugated materials, raw materials, and other production-related items.
  • Build and maintain relationships with vendors to secure quality products and timely deliveries at competitive pricing.
  • Receive and record Bills of Lading (B/L) into the companys system for accurate tracking.
• Customer Service:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for corrugated customer inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
  • Manage customer orders, ensuring alignment with production schedules and on-time delivery.
  • Address customer concerns in collaboration with production, logistics, and quality teams.
• Tool and Die Management:
  • Oversee maintenance, procurement, and storage of tools and dies to ensure product quality and efficient operations.
  • Coordinate with production teams to schedule die changes and minimize downtime.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelors degree in business, supply chain, or related field preferred.
  • 2 years of experience in manufacturing scheduling, materials purchasing, or customer service, preferably in the corrugated industry.
  • Experience with tool and die management is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in inventory management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to analyze production needs and adjust schedules effectively.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking through the facility.
• Work Environment:
  • Primarily operates in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, materials, and noise.