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, and bestselling writers and illustrators.

Reporting to the Production Manager, 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 individual who is keen to learn and who can consistently 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 curiosity, a creative spark and a keen eye for detail.  You must be able to work to deadlines and prioritise your workload. This is an ideal opportunity for a Production Assistant ready for their next step or someone keen to move from a project management role.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

• Manage co-editions and reprints, from print quotes, schedules, file supply/approvals through print to shipping and delivery notes

• Communicate effectively to all stakeholders

• Develop good working relationships with global repro, print and freight suppliers

• Liaise with warehouse and client services staff on stock issues

• Manage the archiving process to ensure that all product is available via the digital asset management system

• In conjunction with managers, ensure all books and other products comply with relevant safety legislation, completing safety technical files prior to sale

• 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 systems

• 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 controllers and Production Manager/Director when required to manage workload and departmental needs.

Preferred Experience

• Negotiating with suppliers, establishing good working relationships

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Communicating with multiple stakeholders

Skills Required

• Problem Solving

• Good communication skills

• Good numerical skills

• Commercial awareness

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

• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office

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 

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 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  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 recruitment@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.

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