Project Manager in Luton

The Publishing Services team is an integral part of the company which supplements and supports our core design services. The Project Manager role is crucial in supporting the studio with non-design tasks such as managing project delivery, commissioning suppliers, proof checking, carrying out corrections, picture research, artwork commissioning and other tasks within the production of multi-component courses and other material. A fundamental part of this role is to ensure the quality of work leaving the studio meets our exacting standards and meets deadlines.

Main Duties of Job:

• Contribute to the production workflow and be a valued member of your team under the direction of the Publishing Services Manager.
• Work on educational course material including printed books, marketing material, interactive PDFs, web screens, apps and eBooks.
• Interpret and understand a client brief and resource plan effectively to deliver client requirements.
• Manage products we have responsibility for packaging, including working with external suppliers and contractors.
• Commission and manage suppliers, including checking editorial briefs, liaising with suppliers to maintain schedules and ensure briefs are met, as well as assessing the quality of work supplied.
• Communicate closely with colleagues during the production process to ensure all information is accurate and available.
• Manage costs and schedules to ensure products are brought out on time, on budget, and to our quality standards.
• Have a commercial understanding of the business objectives and how individual projects fit into the overall pipeline and plans of the studio.
• Keep up to date with project management tools and techniques to help strengthen project management service offering.
• Maintain knowledge of suppliers and the impact their skills and services could have on the ability of them as a business to deliver cost-effective, quality solutions to clients.
• Check work done by the Designers for accuracy - both literal corrections and, with experience, maintaining the integrity of the design elements in production.
• Carry out instructions on marked proofs for editorial corrections and other non-design changes.
• Text formatting - laying out text and images in Word, formatting text and making corrections checking your own work for accuracy.
• Assist the media team with carrying out the research of pictures for use in published material using internet-based sources when required.

Key Competencies and Skills:

• A keen eye for detail and spotting inconsistencies and inefficiencies, as well as an ability to then suggest and implement solutions.
• A rational thinker, able to evaluate complex options and make effective decisions, fully aware of the impact and implications.
• Flexible, calm under pressure, highly communicative, and comfortable taking ownership in ambiguous situations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in a succinct and easily digestible manner.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop project teams.
• Project Management qualification (CIEP, PRINCE2 or similar) would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the publishing industry, particularly education and/or ELT, would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of agile project methodology would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of editorial design software would be an advantage.

At times of pressurised deadlines, you will be expected to work outside your contracted hours if asked, paid at the overtime rate. The job will involve using mainly the Adobe Suite of software as well as Microsoft 365 applications, such as Word, Excel and Teams to an advanced level. A key element of the job is to maintain a 100% accuracy rate with proof checking and spotting design inconsistencies and other elements on the page to maintain quality control and document integrity. You will need to maintain our in-house quality control procedures, be aware of and responsible for producing work for delivery within the timescale laid down by clients and to be aware of progress in production within budget constraints - alerting your Line Manager if this is creeping over. You will be expected to keep an accurate record of time spent on the projects you work on, both in a manual diary and using our studio management system. This role would suit someone who has had experience working in a similar capacity, i.e. on complex editorial / educational products. However, someone with extensive project management skills from outside of the industry would also be considered. The work is fast-paced and requires someone who has a meticulous eye for detail when applied to working quickly.