Purpose of the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a wide range of Children’s products, including mono Fiction titles, colour Picture Books and ebooks, working across highly successful brands such as Mr Men and Little Miss, Thomas, Winnie-the-Pooh, Minecraft and Pokémon.
Reporting to the Production Manager, the Senior Production Controller will be working within the Group Production team to produce front list titles and ebooks, as well as giving general support on co-editions and reprints. We’re looking for an experienced individual who will confidently produce the products within the agreed budget, quality and lead-time requirements. As well as strong organisation and communication skills, we’re looking for someone with a creative spark and a keen eye for detail. You must be able to work to deadlines and be able to prioritise your workload. This is an ideal opportunity for a Production Controller ready for their next step, or a Senior Production Controller looking for a change.
Responsibilities
To co-ordinate the production of front list brands titles and ebooks, including costing, setting schedules and progress chasing
To maintain accurate records and data within the production system,
To maintain accurate safety technical files, arranging safety testing as part of this
To ensure quality standards are met through quality checking pre-press and printer proofs, final printing materials and finished copies
To ensure products are produced within budget through estimating and maintaining costs (print, paper and bind costs as well as plant costs); negotiating with suppliers; presenting accurate final costs and processing invoices
To maintain communication with the appropriate creative and commercial teams, and attending the fortnightly progress meetings
To manage relationships with internal colleagues and external suppliers, ensuring that information is disseminated throughout the business in a clear and visible manner
To maintain systems such as the Digital Asset Management system and Purchase Order System, ensuring the upload of accurate files and information in a timely manner
To deputise for the Production Manager as appropriate and support other members of the team
Person Specification
Experience
Project management experience in both mono and colour books
Familiarity with managing print suppliers
Knowledge of the technical processes involved in the manufacture of books
Experience of managing multiple projects simultaneously
Skills
Problem solving
Very well organised with excellent attention to detail
Excellent relationship building skills
Strong IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Tools
Good numeracy skills and communication skills
Ability to work independently, and support others in team
Commercially aware of the publishing process
Benefits
Hybrid working model (2+ days in the office)
28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)
Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
Private healthcare cover and life assurance
Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal
Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme
Rent Relocation Loan
Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Socio Mobility Network and Neurodiversity network
Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes
Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers
Gym membership discount
Onsite physiotherapy (London only)
Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days
We're a certified Carbon Neutral company
Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books
Subsidised canteen and retail discounts
Onsite prayer room
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to our People Advisor at Laura.welford@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.