Introduction to the role

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a wide range of Children’s products, including mono fiction titles, colour picture books, novelty and eBooks, working across highly successful brands, and bestselling authors and illustrators.

Reporting to the Production Manager for Farshore, 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.

• Manage co-editions, from pricing, scheduling, file supply/approvals through print to shipping and delivery notes.

• 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.

• In conjunction with managers, ensure all books and other products comply with relevant safety legislation.

• Ensure print work is placed according to HC social compliance and other standards, particularly in relation to specific licensors.

• 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 co-edition and 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 Children's books and books plus products

• Working with multiple stakeholders

• Basic experience of product safety requirements, ideally

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 stephanie.jemmett@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.