Production Manager, Penn State University Press

Penn State University•University Park, IL

3d•$51,000 - $81,500•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State University Press seeks a Production Manager to play a central role in the production of scholarly books and digital publications. Penn State University Press is renowned for publishing groundbreaking scholarship in the arts and humanities, as well as regional trade titles. This position oversees the production workflow for books across all imprints, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to established quality standards. This position manages production planning, cost estimating, scheduling, and print vendor coordination. The Production Manager works closely with vendors and internal staff across departments to ensure projects meet the Press’s standards for quality, schedule, and budget.

Requirements

Experience either in scholarly publishing or with book production workflows
Experience with print production, including print estimating, vendor management, and manufacturing oversight
Working proficiency in Adobe InDesign, including the ability to make minor text and layout corrections
Experience working with external vendors, negotiating, and managing production budgets
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience (if filled as University Press Specialist - Advanced Professional)
6+ years of relevant experience (if filled as University Press Specialist - Senior Professional)
Authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Prepare print estimates and detailed manufacturing specifications for offset and short-run digital printing, in consultation with the Art Director.
Solicit, collect, and evaluate printer and vendor quotes.
Process vendor invoices and maintain expense data in FileMaker.
Serve as the primary contact for printers for offset and short-run digital printing projects.
Manage routing, correction, and approval of printer proofs.
Identify opportunities for cost savings; seek out new vendors, evaluate print samples, and check references.
Track print and delivery progress and resolve production and shipping issues to avoid schedule delays.
Advise on reprint decisions for backlist titles based on design, production, and manufacturing specifications.
Coordinate composition and prepress with external vendors, preparing and transmitting materials and specifications.
Route proofs, samples, and correction sets between compositors, the Art Director, and the Production Coordinator.
Request and post final packaged InDesign files and printer PDFs.
Create, monitor, and revise production schedules for all book projects in production.
Lead regular scheduling meetings and communicate updates to key stakeholders.
Support the Art Director in maintaining overall design and production standards for all books and press-related visual materials.
Make minor text and layout corrections during production.
Prepare and manage cover materials and production folders for designers.
Maintain production records, schedules, and print specifications in FileMaker and shared systems.
Respond to internal and external inquiries related to production status.
Review project files prepared for archiving by the Production Assistant and provide final approval.