At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the production process of our core book content and ensure quality standards.
- Company: Join the Royal Society of Chemistry, a leading not-for-profit organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in publishing while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in production or editorial roles, with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 37135 - 37135 € per year.
Salary: 37,135.00 GBP Annual. Position: Production Controller (12-month fixed term contract). Location: Cambridge office (hybrid; work from home within UK as needed).
We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Production Controller to join our Books Production team. This role is critical to the delivery of our books programme. As part of a small team, you will manage the production and delivery of our core book content. Internally, you will work closely with colleagues in Books Editorial, Creative and Production Services, and Sales teams to maintain quality standards and meet customer expectations. Externally, you will coordinate and support third-party suppliers and freelancers, and liaise with book editors and authors.
In addition to core book production tasks, you will lead on additional initiatives, working with other directorates within the RSC and external personnel, including a technical focus on books XML, developing and creating eLearning courses and representing the production function in platform and system user groups.
Key Responsibilities- Manage all aspects of the books production process, including copyediting, proofing, indexing, print and digital publication.
- Ensure that external suppliers achieve RSC quality and timeliness targets, and that best practice and efficient workflows are applied.
- Liaise with freelance copyeditors and indexers and other third-party suppliers.
- Identify and investigate improvements to processes and policies, and implement relevant changes.
- Maintain excellent relationships with editors and authors, with good communication and customer service throughout the production process.
- Maintain our quality standards and meet annual publication targets, which contribute directly to revenue generation and the books strategy.
- Create and maintain up-to-date documentation to ensure clear understanding of policy, procedures and expectations.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external staff.
- Manage projects to achieve revenue diversification or legislative compliance.
- Deputise for the Senior Production Controller when required.
- Experience working in production or editorial roles in publishing.
- Familiarity with XML workflows.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines, working well individually as well as in a team.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills with internal and external contacts, displaying tact and diplomacy where necessary.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to problem-solve and reprioritise tasks based on both business and customer needs.
- A good honours degree in science.
- Experience working with freelance copyeditors and indexers and other third-party suppliers.
- Advanced XML skills.
About Us: The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is a not-for-profit organisation with a thriving international community of over 60,000 members, an internationally renowned publisher of high-quality chemical science knowledge, and the professional body for chemists in the UK. Our purpose is to help the chemical science community make the world a better place. We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and embrace diversity. The RSC welcomes applications from a range of backgrounds, particularly encouraging candidates from disabled and ethnic minority groups. We are a Disability Confident Scheme participant and endeavour to offer interviews accommodating reasonable adjustments.
Production Controller, Books employer: Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and innovation. Located in Cambridge, with the flexibility of hybrid working, employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters professional growth through engaging projects and initiatives in the publishing sector. With a commitment to quality and community impact, RSC provides meaningful opportunities for those passionate about making a difference in the chemical science field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Controller, Books
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work with books. Use LinkedIn or even our website to connect with potential colleagues and get the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand the role of a Production Controller and think about how your skills can contribute to the team. We want to see your passion for books and production!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've managed projects or met tight deadlines in the past. This will demonstrate that you can handle the pressure of book production.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Production Controller position!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Controller, Books
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Production Controller role. Highlight your experience in production or editorial roles, especially any familiarity with XML workflows. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've managed projects or met tight deadlines in the past. We love candidates who can juggle multiple tasks while keeping everything on track, so let us know how you do it!
Communicate Clearly:Since this role involves liaising with various teams and external suppliers, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use your application to showcase how you've maintained good relationships and provided excellent customer service in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Society of Chemistry
✨Know Your Production Process
Familiarise yourself with the entire book production process, from copyediting to digital publication. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed similar processes in the past and any specific challenges you've overcome.
✨Show Off Your XML Skills
Since familiarity with XML workflows is essential, brush up on your XML knowledge. Prepare to explain how you've used XML in previous roles and how it can improve efficiency in the production process.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you maintain good relationships with both internal and external contacts.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you identified a process improvement or resolved an issue under pressure, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
