The Company

Usborne is an independent, family business, creating books which spark curiosity in children of all ages. These range from books for babies such as the bestselling That’s not my… series, to YA fiction from acclaimed authors such as Holly Bourne and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé – with everything from Magic Painting to Politics for Beginners in between.

Whilst Usborne is now a market-leader in children’s publishing and one of the best-known brands in children’s books, the company retains a friendly, family feel. If you want to work somewhere close-knit enough for people to know your name, but which has a first-class reputation around the world, Usborne is the place for you.

The Team

The Busy production department sits at the heart of business, responsible for project managing the entire supply chain process from file supply to final delivery of the books. As part of the Production team, you would be expected to liaise with all Usborne Depts, ensuring a clear and accurate flow of communication throughout. The team is busy, vibrant, and always varied.

The Role

Sitting as part of this busy and friendly team, the successful candidate will develop responsibility for a wide variety of books through the production process, ensuring these new books or reprints are delivered within agreed time schedules and budgets.

Other key activities include:

• Answering promptly and accurately  to schedule and costing queries

• Attending fortnightly production meetings

• Approving print invoices for payment in a timely manner

• Running your own weekly reports to ensure schedule management is carried out

• Checking of files/sending files for proofing

• Co-ordinating co-printings across multiple languages and regions

• Ensuring titles are delivered within an agreed time schedule and agreed costs.

• Utilising our digital software to raise purchase orders.

• Liaising with internal departments such as Editorial, Design and Sales in order to effectively deliver books or reprints on time.

• Liaising with our global external suppliers to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.

• Undertaking archiving of files correctly within the Archive system.

Skills / Experience

This is an entry level role therefore direct publishing experience isn’t necessary, however it would be of benefit to have a good understanding and interest in the book production process. What are most  important are demonstrable organisational skills, time-keeping, accuracy and an eye for detail as this role will involve ensuring projects are delivered within agreed time schedules and are on budget.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A good understanding of and interest in the book production process.

• Very good organisational skills and an ability to multi-task and manage your time effectively.

• Excellent attention to detail whilst working with large volumes of data and information with an aptitude for analysing information in a variety of formats.

• Confident and clear communication skills in order to work with a wide range of stakeholders both in the UK and overseas, internally and externally.

• Computer literacy and number skills with a good working knowledge of the Office 365 suite including strong excel skills.

• Knowledge of Indesign would be an advantage.

Location and Benefits

We offer a 35-hour working week from our offices in Farringdon, London. After a short initial induction period, we offer a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.

In addition to our transparent salary grading structure, for this role we also offer a range of benefits which include:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement increasing with service to 30 days after 5 years;

• Industry-leading Pension Scheme and Life Assurance;

• Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured;

• Healthcare Cashback scheme;

• Virtual GP service;

• Rewards and Discount services;

• 50% discount on Usborne books.