Production Controller - William Collins/4th Estate

Introduction to the role

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a wide range of Trade products, including mono fiction titles, colour reference and cookery books, bibles, co-editions and eBooks, working with award winning and bestselling authors.

Reporting to the Production Manager for William Collins/Fourth Estate, the Production Controller will be working within the Group Production team to produce co-editions and reprints, as well as giving general support on front-list titles, eBooks and digital projects.  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 Assistant ready for their next step, or a Production Controller looking for a change.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure products are produced within budget through estimating and maintaining costs (print, paper and bind costs as well as plant costs); negotiating with suppliers where applicable; presenting accurate final costs and processing invoices.

• Run costings, ensuring commercial decisions are made using the most accurate information.

• Manage schedules for co-editions and reprints, from pre-press through to delivery, ensuring effective communication to all stakeholders.

• Work with repro, print and freight suppliers in Asia, Europe and elsewhere to ensure effective production.

• Liaise with warehouse and client services staff on stock issues and the release of your titles.

• Manage the archiving process to ensure that all product is available via Telescope, the Digital Asset Management System.

• Where relevant manage eBook production/corrections.

• Maintain accurate records and data within the production system.

• Develop relationships with key suppliers.

• Check plotter proofs or InSite proofs, check colour proofs where necessary and make sure printing matches proofs or previous printed copies.

• Maintain communication with the appropriate creative and commercial teams, attending weekly reprints meetings.

• Assist other Production Controllers and Production Manager when required to manage workload and departmental needs.

• Ensure completed technical files are assembled for new titles prior to publication, and are up to date for reprints/co-editions as required

Experience required

• Negotiating with suppliers, establishing good working relationships

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Good knowledge of book production

• Working with multiple stakeholders

Skills required

• Interest in print and eBook production

• Good communication skills

• Good numerical skills

• Ability to ask for help with solving problems, escalating as necessary

• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office

• Desirable: understanding of InDesign/print pdfs

Benefits

• Hybrid working model (2+ days in the office)

• 26 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

• Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work and Pride at HC

• 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 volunteering day

• 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 Talent Acquisition Manager at [email removed - click apply for more details] with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.