Introduction to the role

This is a fantastic opportunity within the HQ/M&B Production Team to work on a wide range of mono fiction and non-fiction titles in a forward-thinking and innovative company.

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Production Controller will be working within the Group Production team to produce mono front-list titles, reprints and eBooks, as well as providing general support to the Production Manager and Production Director as required. We’re looking for an individual with experience working on mono books, 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 position is fixed term for 13 months.

Core 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 where applicable; presenting accurate final costs and processing invoices.

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

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

• 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 Digital Asset Management System.

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

• Manage eBook production in time for publication/corrections.

• Maintain accurate records and data within the production system.

• Maintain and develop relationships with key suppliers.

• Maintain communication with the appropriate creative and commercial teams, attending the fortnightly progress meeting and chairing when required.

• Assist other team members and Production Manager/Director when required to manage workload and departmental needs.

Experience required

• Production and title management experience

• Experience working on mono titles and with external print suppliers

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Working with spot buy and contract pricing

• Good knowledge of adult trade books

• Working with multiple external/internal stakeholders, managing workload and priorities

Skills required

• Solid 1 colour and print production experience, special editions an advantage

• Knowledge of eBook production

• Negotiation skills

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent numerical skills and commercial acumen

• Ability to solve problems creatively, and think on your feet, escalating where necessary

• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office

• Desirable: understanding of InDesign/print pdfs

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/

At HarperCollins, we value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of all applications, we ask that all responses to assessment questions reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and capabilities.  This allows us to fairly assess your knowledge, skills, and experience to determine how they align with the role. We value diverse perspectives and genuine contributions, even if answers are not perfect. The use of AI tools or external assistance to generate responses is discouraged unless explicitly permitted for specific tasks.

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.