At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the production of high-quality printed and digital courseware for global markets.
- Company: Join a leading educational publisher with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by delivering top-notch learning materials.
- Qualifications: Experience in content production and project management in educational publishing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly organised and detail-oriented Production Lead to oversee the end-to-end production of printed and digital courseware across a defined product portfolio. Working in close partnership with Product Managers, Content Development Leads, and Design Leads, this role plays a key part in delivering high-quality learning materials that meet global publishing standards.
The successful candidate will ensure all content across print, digital, and blended formats is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and accessibility. In this position, you will lead all aspects of content delivery, managing production workflows and ensuring consistency, scalability, and quality across multiple products and markets. You will work on sourcing, briefing, and managing external suppliers such as typesetters, digital developers, and editorial partners, while monitoring performance against KPIs and managing budgets effectively.
Acting as the main link between internal teams and external vendors, you will ensure clear communication, proactively manage risks, and maintain production schedules. Close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders will be essential to ensure materials are production-ready, visually consistent, and aligned with commercial goals. This role offers the opportunity to drive continuous improvement and innovation within content operations.
The successful candidate will contribute to process enhancements, support the adoption of new publishing technologies, and help develop supplier capability through constructive feedback and guidance. Success will be reflected in the delivery of high-quality outputs, strong stakeholder relationships, and measurable improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about operational excellence and creating impactful learning products. This is a 6-month fixed term contract.
We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.
About You
- Significant experience in content production within educational publishing, preferably at an international level
- Strong track record of managing outsourced production services (print and digital) with leading global vendors
- Demonstrable expertise in overseeing complex multi-format projects (e.g., textbooks, digital platforms, apps, multimedia)
- Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources across a portfolio of products
- In-depth knowledge of production standards, accessibility requirements, and emerging publishing technologies
- Excellent project management and problem-solving skills, with a focus on risk management and delivering under pressure
- Collaborative team player, able to build strong relationships with cross-functional stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and manage expectations at all levels
- Experience in working with global teams and across multiple regions/markets
- Familiarity with lean workflows or other iterative product development methodologies
- Knowledge of learning management systems (LMS) and digital learning product integration
- Good IT skills, including standard Microsoft Office package and CoPilot, and ability to learn new technologies
We care about work/life balance here at OUP. With this in mind we offer 25 days’ holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3-days) and a 35-hour working week. We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role. We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies.
We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts. This role comes with the added benefit of a discretionary annual payment.
Production Lead employer: Oxford University Press
At OUP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values work/life balance and employee well-being. With a commitment to professional growth, our team members benefit from generous holiday allowances, flexible working patterns, and access to various employee networks, all while contributing to the creation of impactful educational materials. Located in Oxford, this role as Production Lead not only allows you to drive innovation in content production but also provides a collaborative environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the educational publishing field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Production Lead role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your project management skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing complex multi-format projects. Share specific examples of how you've delivered high-quality outputs on time and within budget.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in interviews! Prepare questions that show your understanding of production workflows and how you can contribute to continuous improvement. This will demonstrate your passion for operational excellence and your commitment to delivering top-notch learning materials.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the world of educational publishing.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in content production, especially in educational publishing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Production Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves overseeing complex multi-format projects, it’s crucial to demonstrate your project management expertise. Share specific examples of how you've managed budgets, schedules, and resources effectively in your previous roles.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:We value teamwork here at StudySmarter, so be sure to mention your experience working with cross-functional teams. Talk about how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders and managed expectations to deliver high-quality outputs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Press
✨Know Your Production Standards
Familiarise yourself with the production standards and accessibility requirements relevant to educational publishing. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured quality in past projects, especially when managing outsourced services.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project management expertise, particularly in overseeing complex multi-format projects. Discuss how you've managed budgets and schedules effectively while delivering under pressure.
✨Build Strong Relationships
Emphasise your collaborative approach by sharing experiences where you successfully built relationships with cross-functional stakeholders. Highlight how clear communication has helped you manage expectations and drive projects forward.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions about risk management and problem-solving. Prepare to share specific instances where you identified potential risks in production workflows and how you addressed them to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials.
