This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and talented Senior Production Controller to produce books for one of the biggest publishers in the UK.

The Senior Production Controller will be responsible for titles across the Collins Learning Geo & Reference lists.

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Senior Production Controller will be working within the Group Production team to produce front-list titles, reprints, co-editions.  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 organisational and communication skills, we’re looking for someone with a creative spark to make contributions to product development and new publishing concepts with a keen eye for detail.  You must be able to work to deadlines and be able to prioritise your workload.

Key Accountabilities

• Control print projects from conception to conclusion, including costing, setting schedules and progress chasing as well as giving input to project specifications. 

• Maintain accurate records and data within the production system

• Ensure quality standards are met through quality checking pre-press and printer proofs, final printing materials and finished copies.

• 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.

• Maintain communication with the appropriate creative teams through the attendance of weekly progress meetings, where the Senior Production Controller will be expected to advise on schedules and budgets.

• Manage relationships with internal colleagues and external suppliers, ensuring that information is disseminated throughout the business in a clear and visible manner.

• Maintain systems such as the Digital Asset Management system and Purchase Order System, ensuring the upload of accurate files and information in a timely manner.

• Deputise for the Production Manager as appropriate and support other members of the team

Person Specification

• Demonstrable experience at the Production Controller or Senior Production Controller level

• Significant work experience within the book trade

• Significant experience working across colour repro and print

• Experience negotiating contracts with suppliers

• Experience of managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Sound knowledge of technical processes involved in the origination and manufacture of books

Skills

• Very well organised

• Excellent attention to detail

• Excellent interpersonal / relationship building skills

• Strong IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft tools

• Good numeracy skills and communication skills – both written and oral

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and support others in team

• Commercial awareness

• Excellent problem solving skills

• Project management skills

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to our Senior Recruitment Manager at Kally.simmonds@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.