Production Manager (contract)
About The Position
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group is seeking an experienced Production Manager for a contract position managing approximately 45 paperback conversions a year across the Feiwel & Friends list. You'll own the full print production lifecycle for children's books—picture books, chapter books, novelty books, and graphic novels—from cost estimates and schedules through purchase orders, proofing, and final delivery, working closely with internal teams and domestic and overseas printers and suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery. This is a temporary contracted position.
Requirements
- 5-7 years of 4c and 1c book production experience
- Strong knowledge of 4-color printing processes, prepress, and digital file preparation
- Excellent knowledge of all facets of book production and manufacturing
- Must have basic understandings of overall business of publishing and how production issues affect the success of a publishing company
- Ability to prioritize
- Must be highly organized and detail minded
- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in work
- Works collaboratively in a professional manner
- Able to adapt to changes, delays and unexpected events
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a rapidly changing, deadline-driven environment
- Anticipates, identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner
- Working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Children's Books is preferred
- Working knowledge of Biblio
- Working knowledge of RSuite specifically or experience with Digital Workflow Systems and Digital Asset Management Systems
- Knowledge of the Google platform
Responsibilities
- Oversee the entire lifecycle: composition, prepress, printing, binding, and final delivery
- Manage paperback conversions for 1-color and 4-color titles
- Route (PDFs) for text and covers, managing color and text corrections as needed
- Review digital and physical proofs (color, text, quality) and address issues
- Ensure all products meet safety and testing requirements
- Manage title budgets, cost estimates, purchase orders, and invoices
- Track production schedules and deadlines across all manufacturing stages
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and suggest alternative materials or processes
- Source and manage relationships with domestic and overseas printers, binderies, and component suppliers under the supervision of the Associate Director
- Negotiate pricing, monitor vendor performance, and ensure quality standards are met under the supervision of the Associate Director
- Partner with Managing Editorial, Design, and various teams to solve production challenges
- Provide manufacturing insights and options to internal stakeholders
- Provide regular updates on title progress and production status
- Maintain clear, concise reports for senior management
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
