At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting book production projects from start to finish, ensuring top-notch 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 that shapes the future of publishing with innovative titles.
- 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 Production Controller employer: Pan Macmillan
At Pan Macmillan, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. 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 innovative practices in publishing, while enjoying perks like discounts on books and regular company events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the publishing industry, especially those who work with Tor and Pan imprints. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring examples of your past projects. Whether it's a special edition or a complex production, let your work speak for itself.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to negotiate! If you land an interview, think about how you can discuss schedules and pricing confidently. Show them you know your worth and can secure the best value without compromising quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Production Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Production Controller role. Highlight your experience in book production and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical literacy and project management skills. Mention any relevant software you’ve used, like Biblio or Adobe Acrobat, and how you've successfully managed complex workloads in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your experience and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan
✨Know Your Production Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of book production processes, especially mono manufacturing and special editions. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed and how you ensured quality standards were met.
✨Master the Numbers
Since financial stewardship is key for this role, prepare to talk about your experience with costings and pricing negotiations. Bring examples of how you've maintained healthy margins while managing production schedules.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This position requires strong cross-departmental collaboration. Think of instances where you've successfully partnered with Editorial, Art, or Sales teams. Highlight how you aligned production schedules with marketing needs and improved processes.
✨Embrace Innovation
With an interest in emerging technologies being a desirable skill, be prepared to discuss any tools or software you've used to enhance production efficiency. Share your thoughts on how AI could impact the industry and your approach to problem-solving.
