At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage production of Vintage Paperback titles and collaborate with creative teams.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Random House Group in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative process that brings stories to life.
- Qualifications: Experience in production control and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Production Controller to join our Vintage Production team on a fixed term contract basis from October 2026 to April 2027. This role will be based at our Embassy Gardens office in London, and is offered with hybrid working (2–3 days per week onsite).
As a Senior Production Controller, you will manage production of the Vintage Paperback list, working primarily on mono titles, and some full colour books. You will also produce some lead editions from the broader Vintage imprints. You will work within a highly collaborative team and give production advice and support to the division.
Key Responsibilities- Cost and schedule titles to deliver on time, to budget and to high quality.
- Manage relationships and negotiate with key external suppliers – printers, repro houses, and typesetters – finding solutions to manufacturing, costing and scheduling challenges.
- Collaborate with internal teams across Editorial, Design, Sales, Inventory, Finance and Ebooks teams.
- Use your production expertise to solve problems and resolve issues where they arise.
- Maintain complete and accurate information in Biblio, our publishing system.
- Use your understanding of the needs and goals of the division to inform your decision making.
- Oversee archive and e‑book files, keeping our digital editions on track.
- Previous experience in a Production Controller role.
- Proven experience of mono printing as well as a range of pre‑press and digital workflows.
- Ability to organise information effectively, keeping track of all information relating to your printings, suppliers, and processes.
- Comfortable with prioritising and managing a busy workload, with a calm, positive and flexible approach.
- Team player but equally happy to work independently on your own initiative.
- Experience and/or knowledge of colour printing.
- Experience of using Biblio.
The salary band for this opportunity is £34,000‑£38,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus benefits.
Hybrid WorkingFor this role we expect that you will work from the Embassy Gardens office in London a minimum of 2–3 days per week, and be available to attend on other days as required by the business.
Senior Production Controller (FTC) in London employer: Bertelsmann
At Random House Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Production Controller in our Vintage Production team, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth within the vibrant literary landscape of London. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality publications while enjoying the unique advantages of working in the heart of the capital.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Controller (FTC) in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Sorted
As a publishing-media temporary position, having a well-curated portfolio of your work is key. Gather your best writing samples, layouts, or projects you’ve been involved in, and make sure they're easily accessible online. This’ll give potential employers like Bertelsmann immediate insight into what you can bring to the table.
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✨Utilise your University Resources
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✨Be Ready for Short Notice
In the world of temporary publishing roles, flexibility is your best friend. Be prepared to jump in at short notice! Keep an eye on job boards and set alerts for opportunities at places like Bertelsmann. The more proactive you are, the better your chances will be!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Production Controller (FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Portfolio:When you're applying for a temporary role in publishing-media, it's crucial to include samples of your writing. Whether it’s articles, blog posts, or even creative pieces, let us see your flair for storytelling and your ability to engage readers. A well-curated portfolio can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV shines with skills that are essential for the publishing-media world. Highlight your experience with editing, content creation, or even specific software like InDesign or Photoshop. The more relevant experience you flaunt, the better your chances at catching our eye!
Show Us Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention your adaptability and your willingness to tackle various tasks or changes in workflow. This kind of attitude is gold in the fast-paced publishing world.
Make It Personal and Engaging:Your cover letter is your chance to connect with us at Bertelsmann—don't hold back! Share why you're passionate about publishing-media and what excites you about joining our team. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application memorable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bertelsmann
✨Know Your Digital Tools
In the publishing-media world, being savvy with digital tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and content management systems can really set you apart. We should brush up on our skills with these tools, as many interviewers might throw in some technical questions or scenario-based tasks to see how you’d handle real projects.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Since we're looking at a temporary role, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running. Make sure your portfolio is up to date with a variety of your best work! Talk us through your projects, highlighting your involvement and the impact of your contributions.
✨Be Ready for Creative Discussions
Interviews in publishing-media often dive deep into creative discussions. We should be prepared to chat about our favourite pieces of media, current trends, or even pitches for new ideas. This is our time to shine and show our enthusiasm for the industry!
✨Flexibility is Key
Temporary roles can sometimes involve ever-changing tasks and priorities. Let’s showcase our adaptability by sharing examples of times we’ve successfully handled last-minute changes or embraced new challenges. This will show them we’re not just committed but also capable of thriving in a dynamic environment!
