Production Manager, Penn State University Press

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

2d • 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)
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

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.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level