Introduction to the role

We are looking for a Production Assistant to work on the production of books for Collins. The successful candidate could be working on a range of titles in the Primary and Secondary School-, Home Learning-, Reference- and Language lists. From costing titles and selecting a printer through to placing purchase orders and chasing deliveries into stock, they would be responsible for ensuring front list titles and reprints come in on time, within budget and to the right quality.

This is a fantastic position for someone with an interest in production to learn our business from the inside out. The production team sit at the heart of our business and work closely with every department from marketing and publicity to editorial, distribution and finance etc. This is a valuable opportunity to take on a busy role within a successful production team and gain valuable exposure to the wider business while learning on the job.

 Key Accountabilities

• Cost new titles for acquisition and reprints, checking P&Ls before circulation

• Place titles at printers according to schedule required and ensure bound stock dates are met

• Check mono/colour proofs where necessary and make sure printing matches proofs

• Check plotter proofs Pre-flight check new titles when sending to press

• Assist the Production Manager and other members of the team according to workload and departmental needs

• Ensure all titles are archived on our DAM, including PDF files and maintaining version control

Skills required

• Interest in print production

• Good communication skills

•   Good numerical and organisational skills

• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines

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

• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office (Excel)

  Benefits

  • Hybrid working model (3 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 

  • Summer Hours  

  • 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 

  • Relocation Rent Support Loan  

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

  • 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

  • Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice)

  • With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire

  • Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books 

  • Subsidised canteen and retail discounts 

  • Onsite prayer room 

  The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking internships or entry level positions. For more information visit  https://www.btbs.org/

  If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to 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.

  Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.