At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage production of Vintage Paperback titles and lead editions with a collaborative team.
- Company: Join the dynamic Vintage Production team at Random House Group in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible work environment with a focus on teamwork and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative process that shapes the future of publishing.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Production Controller and knowledge of mono printing required.
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.
What you’ll bring
Essential criteria
- 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.
Desirable criteria
- Experience and/or knowledge of colour printing.
- Experience of using Biblio.
Salary
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 Working
For 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: Paperback & Lead Editions employer: Bertelsmann
At Random House Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity. Our Embassy Gardens office in London provides a dynamic environment with hybrid working options, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and the chance to work with a talented team dedicated to producing high-quality publications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Controller: Paperback & Lead Editions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at Random House or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your production knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with mono printing and how you've tackled challenges in past roles. Show us you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! This role is all about collaboration, so share examples of how you've worked with different teams to achieve a common goal. We love a good team player!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our Vintage Production team. Let’s get you in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Production Controller: Paperback & Lead Editions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Senior Production Controller role. Highlight your previous production controller experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in mono printing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our Vintage Production team. Mention your ability to manage relationships with suppliers and how you solve production challenges.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love a good team player! In your application, share examples of how you've collaborated with different teams in the past. This will show us that you can work well with Editorial, Design, and Sales teams.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bertelsmann
✨Know Your Production Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mono printing and pre-press workflows. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed production schedules and budgets.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
This role is all about collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with different teams in the past. Share stories that highlight your ability to communicate effectively with Editorial, Design, and Sales teams.
✨Be a Problem Solver
Think of a few challenges you've faced in production and how you overcame them. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the pressures of the job and find solutions when things get tough.
✨Get Familiar with Biblio
If you have experience using Biblio, great! If not, do some research on it before the interview. Being able to discuss how you would maintain accurate information in the system will demonstrate your attention to detail and organisational skills.
