Production Manager - Ebury (9-month FTC)

Production Manager - Ebury (9-month FTC)

Temporary 38250 - 46750 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the production of books, collaborating with creative teams and managing supplier relationships.
  • Company: Join Penguin's Ebury Production team, known for publishing diverse and inspiring content.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and a vibrant office culture.
  • Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to inspire a dynamic team in a creative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the publishing world while working with renowned authors and talents.
  • Qualifications: Experience in book production, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Biblio and Adobe Creative Cloud.

The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.

  • Production Manager - Ebury (9-month FTC)
  • Full-time
  • Legal
  • Entity: The Random House Group Limited

We have a fantastic opportunity to join our Ebury Production team as a Production Manager.

This role is offered on a 9-month fixed term contract basis from December 2026 to September 2027.

The team

We publish for people’s every need and passion, from food, personal development and memoir, to smart thinking, parenting and business.

We work in close partnership with stellar talents like Yotam Ottolenghi, Michaela Coel, Fearne Cotton, Charlie Mackesy, Stacey Solomon, Tom Felton, Adam Grant, Wim Hof, Mary Berry and Brené Brown.

The role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic Production Manager with experience of both mono and colour production who is passionate about making a difference, who has a commercial outlook and is comfortable driving change.

As a Production Manager you will work closely and collaboratively with internal teams across Editorial, Design, Sales, Inventory, Finance as well as external suppliers, to identify and implement solutions for reprographic, manufacturing, costing, and scheduling challenges.

An important part of this role includes managing supplier relationships; you will play a key part in influencing and negotiating with external suppliers.

You’ll not only support and manage members of the team you’ll also understand the importance of inspiring, developing and enabling them to do their best work.

Your keen eye for detail will ensure everything is delivered on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.

You’ll manage the production of books and associated formats, including working on custom product, bringing ideas and solutions to the creative teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Have a confident understanding of the needs and goals of your Production team and use this to inform your decision-making with high commercial awareness.
  • Take a proactive role in shaping how we work by evaluating, critiquing, improving, and communicating our processes and best practices.
  • Be authoritative and influential, serving as an ambassador and point of contact for the team. Provide trusted production advice and support to other departments.
  • Develop and communicate a proactive and collaborative production approach, partnering with Editorial, Design, and Sales to drive innovation and growth.
  • Demonstrate market and commercial awareness, showing a strong understanding of business needs and how the team can best support the Ebury Publishing Division.
  • Take initiative and lead on ad-hoc projects and tasks outside of the usual Trade and Non-Trade production cycles.

Approach production solutions creatively and innovatively, contributing to the department’s strategic initiatives and process improvements.

  • Contribute to a calm, constructive, and mature atmosphere in the team, being a positive influence within the department and the broader company.
  • Be confident in your understanding of production processes, systems, terminology, and the broader company and industry. Guide, advise, and formally train junior team members.
  • What you will bring
  • Excellent experience of colour and mono book production.
  • Experience of mentoring, training or managing direct reports
  • You’ll have excellent attention to detail and will be able to demonstrate a calm, positive and flexible approach to your work – even when under pressure.
  • Experience of managing a varied workload with a track record of successfully delivering to deadlines while meeting the expectations of multiple stakeholders.
  • Great communication and negotiating skills, adept at building and maintaining relationships.
  • Experience of working with Biblio and Adobe Creative Cloud required.

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity.

When you apply for a position, we want to showcase your unique voice.

Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills.

This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team.

We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself!

While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.

£40,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important.

For this role we expect that you will work from the Embassy Gardens office in London 2 days per week (typically Tuesday & Thursday).

Disclosure requirements pertaining to the collection of your personal data:

Responsible for processing the information provided in your application is the company specified in the job advertisement, with its registered office as indicated.

The company processes your data for the purpose of establishing an employment relationship on the basis of Art. 6 (1) b GDPR / Section 26 (1) sentence 1 BDSG.

The retention period for your data is determined by the statutory time limits applicable in the respective country, beginning upon completion of the recruitment process.

You can find these here .

You can contact the company’s Data Protection Officer at the above-mentioned postal address.

Further information on data protection and your rights can be found here .

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Production Manager - Ebury (9-month FTC) employer: Penguin Random House

At Penguin Random House UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Finance Analyst in the vibrant publishing sector, you will enjoy opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the literary landscape. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our supportive environment and comprehensive benefits, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career in finance.

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Contact Details:

Penguin Random House Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Manager - Ebury (9-month FTC)

Get Your Portfolio Sorted

As a publishing-media temporary position, having a well-curated portfolio of your work is key. Gather your best writing samples, layouts, or projects you’ve been involved in, and make sure they're easily accessible online. This’ll give potential employers like Penguin Random House immediate insight into what you can bring to the table.

Tap into Publishing Networks

Don’t underestimate the power of industry connections! Join platforms like PublishingPerspectives or attend local publishing events. Engaging with others in the field can not only provide job leads but also valuable insights into temporary roles, like the one at Penguin Random House. Plus, you might just snag that insider info that helps you land the job!

Utilise your University Resources

If you're currently studying or recently graduated, your university's career services are a treasure trove! They often have connections with publishing agencies or temporary roles available in the industry. Make a visit or reach out to see if there are opportunities with companies like Penguin Random House that you can jump on.

Be Ready for Short Notice

In the world of temporary publishing roles, flexibility is your best friend. Be prepared to jump in at short notice! Keep an eye on job boards and set alerts for opportunities at places like Penguin Random House. The more proactive you are, the better your chances will be!

We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager - Ebury (9-month FTC)

Book Production
Colour Production
Mono Production
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Portfolio:When you're applying for a temporary role in publishing-media, it's crucial to include samples of your writing. Whether it’s articles, blog posts, or even creative pieces, let us see your flair for storytelling and your ability to engage readers. A well-curated portfolio can really set you apart!

Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV shines with skills that are essential for the publishing-media world. Highlight your experience with editing, content creation, or even specific software like InDesign or Photoshop. The more relevant experience you flaunt, the better your chances at catching our eye!

Show Us Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention your adaptability and your willingness to tackle various tasks or changes in workflow. This kind of attitude is gold in the fast-paced publishing world.

Make It Personal and Engaging:Your cover letter is your chance to connect with us at Penguin Random House—don't hold back! Share why you're passionate about publishing-media and what excites you about joining our team. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application memorable.

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House

Know Your Digital Tools

In the publishing-media world, being savvy with digital tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and content management systems can really set you apart. We should brush up on our skills with these tools, as many interviewers might throw in some technical questions or scenario-based tasks to see how you’d handle real projects.

Showcase Your Portfolio

Since we're looking at a temporary role, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running. Make sure your portfolio is up to date with a variety of your best work! Talk us through your projects, highlighting your involvement and the impact of your contributions.

Be Ready for Creative Discussions

Interviews in publishing-media often dive deep into creative discussions. We should be prepared to chat about our favourite pieces of media, current trends, or even pitches for new ideas. This is our time to shine and show our enthusiasm for the industry!

Flexibility is Key

Temporary roles can sometimes involve ever-changing tasks and priorities. Let’s showcase our adaptability by sharing examples of times we’ve successfully handled last-minute changes or embraced new challenges. This will show them we’re not just committed but also capable of thriving in a dynamic environment!