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We are looking for a skilled and organised Production Controller to join our busy production team. The successful candidate will be confident in managing a complex workload and have experience handling mono titles with particular emphasis on special and exclusive editions. You will be an essential addition to the production team in our adult books division, managing titles from acquisition to completion. Controllers can potentially work on any title and any list but there will be particular focus on managing books with multiple editions on our Tor and Pan lists including handling tip-ins, proofs and materials for specific customers.
Job Responsibility:
End-to-end Production Management: Manage the production process for a diverse range of adult titles, ensuring every book, from standard mono to high-spec special editions, meets Pan Macmillan’s quality standards
Manufacturing Oversight: Order and monitor printings, from initial confirmation through to final delivery, acting as the primary point of contact for suppliers to ensure a seamless supply chain
Financial Stewardship: Produce accurate costings at every stage of the critical path to support informed business decisions and maintain healthy project margins
Commercial Negotiation: Proactively negotiate schedules, specifications, and pricing with external suppliers to secure the best value without compromising on quality or deadlines
Data Integrity: Manage and update Biblio and other internal systems to ensure product records, schedules, and approvals are accurate and accessible to the wider business
Cross-departmental Collaboration: Partner closely with the Editorial, Design, and Sales teams to align production schedules with marketing beats and retail requirements
Requirements:
Experience in book production (preferably within trade publishing), with a solid grasp of UK mono manufacturing and the end-to-end critical path
A proven understanding of the exclusive edition market, including the technical requirements for managing tip-ins, special finishes, and bespoke customer materials
A comprehensive working knowledge of typesetting, repro, and print processes, alongside proficiency in industry-standard software (such as Biblio and Adobe Acrobat)
High level of numeracy with the ability to produce accurate costings, negotiate competitive pricing with suppliers, and manage invoices precisely
Excellent organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage a complex workload and maintain schedules across multiple high-priority titles
An active dedication to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices, taking personal responsibility for ensuring our workplace and publishing reflect the communities we serve
A collaborative approach to building a supportive and vibrant environment
A strong drive for learning and a readiness to embrace different perspectives
A foundation of openness and honesty, taking responsibility for actions and learning from mistakes
Nice to have:
A proactive interest in how emerging technologies and AI tools, such as Gemini, can be harnessed to improve process efficiencies and creative problem-solving
The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with both internal stakeholders (Editorial, Design, Sales) and external suppliers to ensure production standards are met while maintaining trusting relationships
What we offer:
28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays
Generous pension scheme
Discounted private medical insurance
Group income protection scheme
Enhanced family pay and leave
Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months)
2 Volunteer Days per year
75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates)