Publishing Operations Manager in London

Pan Macmillan are seeking a Publishing Operations Manager to lead the operational framework for our publishing processes on an 18‑month fixed‑term contract. This role is responsible for reviewing the systems, tools and workflows that ensure all assets meet retail deadlines and adhere to the company’s critical path.

This role is being introduced in recognition that there is no single path to publication and we need to adapt our schedules and working practices according to the various routes to market and differing consumer needs.

Your team: You’ll be working within the Business Process team, which sits within the wider Publishing Operations department. We are a friendly and collaborative team, responsible for analysis and specification of developments and improvements in business processes. As a result, we get to work with colleagues from across all areas of the company in order to understand their ways of working.

Your role: As the Publishing Operations Manager, you will report into the Business Process Director and work in close partnership with Publishers, the Associate Publisher, Art Directors, Studio Manager and Sales Directors. You will play an essential role in ensuring consumer demands are met by focusing on schedule optimization and problem‑solving. This involves maximizing the effectiveness of all available systems, planning frameworks and cross‑functional processes.

Key responsibilities:

• Audit and refine the critical path: Work with the Business Process Director to revisit the timings on the Critical Path from Acquisition to Print so that our processes are fit for purpose, both operationally and to meet external market demands.
• Implement AI‑enabled tracking: Integrate or manage tools that provide real‑time visibility into project status, in order to support workflow management within the Art & Design team.
• Develop ‘fast‑track’ schedules: Create specific operational workflows for fast acquisitions, high‑priority retailer exclusives and special editions that bypass standard long‑lead times.
• Capacity planning: Work with the Studio Manager to provide visibility to capacity planning within the team. Develop forward visibility of workload and pressure points.
• Sales & art liaison: Act as the primary filter for requests from Commercial teams, determining whether the proposed Critical Path is operationally viable. Support list‑level planning beyond individual title management.
• Stakeholder reporting: Provide the Business Process Director and Art Director with regular reporting on the publishing list, highlighting risks to the 2026 speed‑to‑market goals.

Essential experience, abilities, knowledge and values you’ll need to succeed:

• Workflow mapping: A proven track record of mapping complex end‑to‑end processes, with the ability to eliminate ‘single points of failure’ and streamline administrative loops.
• Project management methodology: Practical experience applying structured methodologies (such as Agile) to creative or operational workflows to drive efficiency.
• Scalability thinking: Demonstrated experience building operational models that remain effective whether applied to a single high‑profile title or an entire publishing list.
• AI & automation integration: Direct experience identifying and implementing AI or other tools for scheduling visibility, automated notifications or data forecasting.
• Stakeholder diplomacy: Proven ability to navigate the balance between creative vision and commercial requirements, ensuring both stay aligned.
• Consultative leadership: Evidence of providing clear direction to diverse stakeholders, uniting cross‑functional teams behind a common purpose and timeline.
• Industry knowledge: A demonstrable passion for books and the publishing industry, particularly for Pan Macmillan’s list.
• Inclusion and representation: An active dedication to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices, taking personal responsibility for ensuring our workplace and publishing reflect the communities we serve.
• Community: A collaborative approach to building a supportive and vibrant environment.
• Curiosity: A strong drive for learning and a readiness to embrace different perspectives.
• Integrity: A foundation of openness and honesty, taking responsibility for actions and learning from mistakes.

Desirable skills we’d love you to have:

• Industry background: Experience of transforming workflows within a creative or publishing industry.
• Familiarity with Biblio: Knowledge of publishing management systems is an advantage (e.g., Biblio).

What you’ll get in return: In return we can offer you a range of great projects, a supportive and collaborative working environment as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.

Salary range: £46,000 to 50,000. Note on salary: The offered salary is dependent on experience and expertise. We benchmark our ranges to ensure fair, competitive compensation that grows with your impact.

Benefits: 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service.