At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the production of exciting book titles from start to finish, ensuring top quality.
- Company: Join a leading publishing house known for its diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days of leave, flexible hours, and discounts on books and shopping.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of publishing with innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in book production and strong project management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 43000 £ per year.
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 bank holidays
- Generous pension scheme
- Discounted private medical insurance
- Group income protection
- Enhanced family pay and leave
- Flexible working hours and early finish Fridays during summer
- 2 volunteer days per year
- 75% discount on all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales
- Season ticket loan/advance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on shopping, gym memberships, and Christmas club savings
- Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch
Salary £40,000 to £43,000, dependent on experience and expertise.
Location & Working Arrangements Based in Farringdon, London, with some flexibility to work from home each week.
Eligibility All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. Our Diversity & Inclusion pledge can be found at https://www.panmacmillan.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion.
Closing date 7 June 2026
Senior Book Production Controller – End-to-End employer: Pan Macmillan
At Pan Macmillan, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our generous benefits package, including flexible working hours, extensive leave, and opportunities for professional development, all set in the dynamic environment of Farringdon, London. Join us to be part of a team that values diverse voices and promotes inclusivity while working on exciting projects that shape the future of publishing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Book Production Controller – End-to-End
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the publishing industry, especially those who work with book production. A casual chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at events or through connections, bring along examples of your past projects. This is your time to shine and demonstrate your expertise in managing high-spec editions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Book Production Controller – End-to-End
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Book Production Controller role. Highlight your experience in managing book production, especially with mono titles and high-spec projects, to show us you’re the right fit!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical literacy! Mention your knowledge of typesetting, repro, and any industry-standard software like Biblio and Adobe Acrobat. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use persuasive language to communicate your experience and skills, and make sure to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with different departments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan
✨Know Your Production Process
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the end-to-end production process for books. Brush up on your knowledge of mono manufacturing and high-spec special editions, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and costings in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your financial stewardship led to successful outcomes, as this is a key responsibility for the Senior Book Production Controller position.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different departments, like Editorial or Sales. Being able to communicate effectively and build positive relationships is essential, so share stories that showcase your teamwork abilities.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with emerging technologies and trends in book production, such as AI tools. Showing that you're proactive about innovation can set you apart from other candidates and align with the company's forward-thinking approach.
