Lead Senior Controller, Novelty and Product Development
Are you excited by the challenge of turning imaginative concepts into safe, commercially successful products? Do you thrive on bringing people together to make confident publishing decisions?
If you are an experienced novelty production expert who combines creative thinking with commercial judgement and rigorous attention to safety, then this could be the role for you.
You will report directly to the UK Production Director and help Quarto UK bring innovative products to market more efficiently by strengthening early feasibility assessment, reducing avoidable safety issues, improving project handovers and building novelty development ability across Creative and production teams.
Contract
permanent
£41,000 per year
13 th November 2026
Working hours
Your standard working hours will be 35 hours per week with core working hours between 10am and 4pm. We currently operate a discretionary hybrid model, with three days in our London office and two working from home.
About the role
You will be the custodian of new product-development requests from concept to manufacture, providing expert direction on novelty formats, materials, engineering, safety, quality, cost and feasibility. You will assess and prioritise requests, delegate projects to colleagues as appropriate and keep oversight of progress and standards. With no line-management responsibility, you will lead through ability, mentoring and influence.
What you will be involved in
- Act as custodian of new product-development requests assessing feasibility, risk, resource requirements and commercial potential with Senior Management
- Partner with creative, editorial and production teams to turn concepts into achievable specifications and manufacturing solutions
- Ensure every product follows the required developmental, approval and documentation processes established by the Production Director
- Facilitate regular product development sessions with Creative and Production to review concepts, resolve risks and agree clear next steps
- Identify innovations in print, components, materials and manufacturing that improve creativity, sustainability and commercial performance
- Build strong supplier partnerships and ensure products meet relevant safety, quality and legislative requirements
- Produce and distribute a regular Product Development Newsletter
About you
You will be an accomplished print production and product-development professional with strong experience of novelty books, engineered paper products or comparable multi-component formats. You will understand how to take ideas from creative concept to repeatable manufacture, with sound knowledge of prototyping, costing, quality and global product safety.
Collaborative, curious and commercially aware, you will be comfortable leading through ability rather than hierarchy. You will influence confidently, mentor colleagues, explain technical matters clearly and make sound decisions about priorities and project allocation. You will bring strong supplier relationships and a calm, practical approach to problem solving.
You will be able to show you can:
- Substantial experience in print production, novelty formats and end-to-end product development
- Confidence to act as a trusted custodian for new requests, applying consistent standards and sound judgement
- Expert knowledge of product safety, testing and global market requirements
- The ability to identify risks early and collaborate effectively with the Safety Lead
- A practical, independent and resourceful approach supported by strong project management and organisational skills
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills with the confidence to lead cross functional decisions without direct authority
What we can offer
A supportive, open environment with development opportunities, as well as the following benefits:
- 25 days paid holiday per year (increasing up to 30 days per year), plus bank holidays and Christmas closure days.
- Cultural appreciation day (to honour a cultural holiday which is significant to you, separate to your holiday entitlement)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discounts on selected shops, retailers, and restaurants
- Health Cash Plan
- Pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Summer hours
- Active social and diversity committees
- Excellent and welcoming office facilities in a fantastic location
All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for the vacancy.
We employ individuals based on their abilities and welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of disability, ethnic origin, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, belief, age, or sexual orientation.
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we aim to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for disabled people. Therefore, we encourage you to inform us of any reasonable adjustments you may require during your interview process. Please note, you only need to disclose information that you are comfortable sharing in order for us to accommodate your request.
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LEAD SENIOR CONTROLLER NOVELTY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT in London employer: The Quarto Group
Bright Press is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and creative work environment in the vibrant city of Brighton. With a focus on employee development, we offer generous benefits including 25 days of paid holiday, a health cash plan, and opportunities for cultural appreciation. Join our dynamic team where your editorial skills will thrive, and you will collaborate with talented professionals to shape high-quality illustrated nonfiction titles.
