At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the entire book production process from acquisition to completion for exciting adult titles.
- Company: Join a leading publishing house known for its innovative and diverse titles.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, plus more as you grow with us.
- Other info: Collaborate with creative teams and embrace inclusive practices in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of book production and make a real impact on beloved titles.
- Qualifications: Experience in book production and strong project management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Senior Production Controller – 12‑month fixed‑term contract, full‑time, commencing August. Manage a high volume of mono titles from acquisition to final completion, including bespoke, high‑spec projects and exclusive editions for Tor and Pan imprints.
Your role: Reporting to the Production Manager, you will serve within the Adult Production team, managing projects from initial acquisition to final completion across a varied adult list, with a particular focus on the flagship Tor titles.
Responsibilities
- End‑to‑end production management: oversee the production process for a diverse range of adult titles, ensuring quality standards for standard mono and high‑spec special editions.
- Manufacturing oversight: order and monitor printings from confirmation through delivery, acting as primary contact for external suppliers.
- Financial stewardship: produce accurate costings at each stage of the critical path to support informed business decisions and maintain healthy margins.
- Commercial negotiation: negotiate schedules, specifications, and pricing with external suppliers to secure the best value without compromising quality or deadlines.
- Data integrity: manage and update Biblio and other internal systems to keep product records, schedules, and approvals accurate and accessible.
- Cross‑departmental collaboration: partner closely with Editorial, Art, Operations, and Sales to align production schedules with marketing beats, retail requirements, and core process improvements.
Qualifications
- Book production expertise: proven experience in book production, ideally within trade publishing, with a practical understanding of mono manufacturing and advanced knowledge of book specifications.
- Technical literacy: comprehensive working knowledge of typesetting, repro, e‑books, and print processes; proficiency in industry‑standard software such as Biblio and Adobe Acrobat.
- Commercial & financial awareness: high level of numeracy, accurate costings, competitive pricing negotiation, and precise invoice management.
- Project management & prioritisation: excellent organisational skills and demonstrated ability to manage a complex workload across multiple high‑priority titles.
- Collaboration & communication: clear, persuasive written and spoken communication and ability to build positive relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Inclusive practice: commitment to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices in the workplace and publishing.
- Integrity: openness, honesty, and responsibility for actions and learning from mistakes.
Desirable Skills
- Special‑edition management: understanding of the exclusive edition market, including tip‑ins, special finishes, and bespoke materials.
- Innovation mindset: interest in how emerging technologies and AI tools such as Gemini can improve process efficiencies and creative problem‑solving.
Benefits: 28 days’ annual leave (increasing with years of service) plus
Senior Book Production Controller – End-to-End in London employer: Pan Macmillan
As a Senior Book Production Controller at our esteemed publishing house, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, including 28 days of annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a focus on inclusive practices. Join us in our vibrant location, where your expertise in book production will be celebrated and your contributions will directly impact the success of our flagship titles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Book Production Controller – End-to-End in London
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Pan Macmillan.
✨Make Your Passion Visible
If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Pan Macmillan. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Book Production Controller – End-to-End in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Pan Macmillan. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Pan Macmillan.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Pan Macmillan. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Pan Macmillan. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
