Production Manager

Production Manager

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Manager to coordinate the production and manufacturing of titles published by UNSQ Kids as well as other children's titles published by Union Square & Co. The publishing lists managed by these groups compromise a diverse range of print formats from award-winning children's picture books to best-selling young adult novels to visually stunning four-color art and cookbooks.

The ideal candidate will have the background and expertise to manage a high volume of a diverse range of book formats with varying workflow requirements, complexity. Manufacturing schedules will vary from standard trade 1 / c and full color formats to fast-paced 1 / c and full color Licensing formats all manufacturing domestically and overseas. Working closely with the Publisher, Managing Editorial, Editorial, Art and Design departments as well as outside vendors and freelance designers, the candidate will produce high quality print books on aggressive schedules, within budget constraints. The candidate needs to be capable of working in a deadline-driven and highly collaborative, team-oriented environment. The candidate will need to balance out-of-the-box thinking and creativity with the practicalities cost constraints. The candidate will have the ability to successfully execute the vision of the publishing division while taking proactive steps to avoid issues as well as the ability to react quickly and efficiently to unforeseen complications with the utmost grace and diplomacy. The candidate will assess and implement continuous process improvements that support strategic business goals and support our pillars as well as actively review and manage costs to support Hachette's profitability targets.

The candidate should have a strong background in product safety compliance to ensure that Children's books are manufactured in accordance with CPSIA and state laws, as well as UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian regulations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities :

• Effectively and efficiently coordinate all phases of book production and manufacturing from composition, prepress, printing and binding through final delivery.
• Negotiates pricing throughout the development of a product through proper bidding and cost analysis and submission of cost estimates to Editorial.
• Collaborates with Publisher, Editorial and Design to conceptualize and develop products, apply creative solutions to solve special product needs, budgetary and scheduling constraints, inclusive of proposing cost-savings opportunities and alternate specification options.
• Manage cost estimating responsibilities in accordance with Hachette's budgetary cycle processes.
• Work closely with vendors to manage performance, schedule fidelity, quality standards, and budget requirements.
• Manage prepress requirements, color correct proofs and attend press checks, as needed.
• Procure and analyzes bids from the appropriate vendor base and awards the work appropriately.
• Ensure costs are tracked throughout the life of project and that deviations are promptly communicated to the necessary parties.
• Attends and participates in regular production meetings.
• Updates Title Management system with specifications, dates, and other metadata promptly.
• Works independently, keeping Managers and informed of status, any service disruption or vendor quality issues.
• Prepares cost estimates, purchase orders and shipping instructions from HBG's title management system.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required :