Associate Director of Production & Manufacturing

Simone Development • New York, NY

1d

About The Position

Simon & Schuster is seeking an Associate Director of Production and Manufacturing to support the adult publishing division. This role leads a team of production managers and works closely with senior leadership to oversee a broad frontlist manufacturing program, including one-, two-, and four-color hardcover and paperback originals and conversions. The Associate Director is responsible for all aspects of book manufacturing for the frontlist program, with a focus on operational efficiency, workflow consistency, staff development, vendor coordination, and risk mitigation. This role serves as a key liaison across internal departments and external vendors and requires strong communication, deep production expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex work at scale.

Requirements

• 10+ years of book production or manufacturing experience, including experience with complex and illustrated titles.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, or managing staff.
• Deep knowledge of book printing, binding, scheduling, costing, and manufacturing workflows.
• Experience managing domestic and international vendors.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to oversee multiple high-priority initiatives.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and title management systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing for Adult frontlist titles across assigned imprints.
• Lead, mentor, and develop staff.
• Partner with leadership on workload planning, title allocation, and departmental priorities.
• Monitor project timelines and ensure risks are identified, escalated, and mitigated as early as possible.
• Support new imprint launches and ensure operational readiness.
• Troubleshoot complex scheduling, manufacturing, vendor, and workflow issues.
• Guide the creation and maintenance of accurate title specifications in internal systems.
• Oversee purchase order issuance, cost tracking, and budget awareness across projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international vendors.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and reinforce best practices.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across Production, Demand Planning, Sales, and Operations to align on priorities and strategy.
• Support consistency of manufacturing practices across imprints and title types.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed