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- Tasks: Manage production of JRR Tolkien titles, ensuring quality and budget compliance.
- Company: Join HarperCollins, a leading publisher with a rich literary heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, wellness programmes, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team working on iconic literature with a focus on quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in book production, project management, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Permanent position with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Employment Type Full time
Location Hybrid · London, City of, UK
Salary £35,000 – £40,000 (GBP) Depending on skills and experience
Team Group Production
Seniority Mid-level
+ Closing:11:55pm, 21st Jul 2025 BST
Perks and benefits
Work from home option
Wellness programs
Employee Assistance Programme
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Mentoring/coaching
Cycle to work scheme
Candidate happiness
8.66 (30236)
Job Description
Introduction to the role
This is a fantastic opportunity within the HarperFiction Production Team to manage the wonderful range of JRR Tolkien titles published by HarperCollins globally.
Reporting to the Production Manager, this position will be managing the production of all front-list/backlist and co-edition titles including eBooks for the Tolkien Estate, 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 both colour and mono books. Working independently on titles ranging from mass market paperbacks, through to high specification deluxe titles. This person 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 is a permanent position.
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 both front list titles 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.
+ Manage eBook production in time for publication/corrections.
+ Maintain accurate records and data within the production system.
+ Develop and sustain relationships with key suppliers.
+ Have a key understanding of print quality and various binding materials.
+ Ensure that the expectations and quality standards are maintained for this prestigious list.
+ Maintain communication with the appropriate creative and commercial teams, attending the progress meetings and chairing when required.
+ Assist other team members and Production Manager/Director when required to manage workload and departmental needs.
Experience required
+ Experience working on both mono and colour titles with overseas print suppliers. Working on deluxe titles an advantage
+ Managing multiple projects simultaneously
+ Confidence to manage freight suppliers and shipping terminology
+ Working with spot buy and contract pricing
+ An excellent knowledge of adult trade books and understanding of co-edition publishing
+ Working with multiple external/internal stakeholders, managing workload and priorities
Skills required
+ Excellent mono and 4 colour print book production experience
+ Knowledge of eBook production
+ Experience of project management and working independently on high value titles
+ 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/pre-flighting print pdfs
+ Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
+ 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
+ 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
+ Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers
+ Onsite physiotherapy (London only)
+ Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days
+ 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 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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Senior Production Controller – Tolkien employer: News Corporation
Contact Detail:
News Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Controller – Tolkien
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with JRR Tolkien's works and the publishing landscape. Understanding the nuances of his titles will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who have experience with colour and mono titles. Engaging with others can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your project management skills, particularly in relation to managing multiple projects simultaneously. Being able to showcase your organisational abilities will be crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with overseas print suppliers and eBook production during the interview. Highlighting specific examples will show your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Production Controller – Tolkien
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in production management, especially with mono and colour titles. Emphasise any previous work with overseas print suppliers and your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for JRR Tolkien's works and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. Mention specific examples of past projects that demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to print quality, project management, and eBook production. If you have experience with InDesign or pre-flighting print PDFs, be sure to include that as well.
Follow Application Instructions: Remember to submit your application via the specified platform, Applied. Double-check that all required documents are included and that you've adhered to the application guidelines to avoid any issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at News Corporation
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight specific examples where you successfully met deadlines and maintained quality standards, especially in relation to both mono and colour titles.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Print Production
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of print quality and binding materials. Be ready to talk about your experience with overseas print suppliers and how you've navigated challenges in production processes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you maintain effective communication throughout the production process and manage expectations.
✨Emphasise Your Creative Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of instances where you've had to solve problems creatively in a production context. Be ready to share these examples, showcasing your ability to think on your feet and escalate issues when necessary.
