Production Manager

Production Manager

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Manager to coordinate the production and manufacturing of titles published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. The position is also responsible for supervising one team member. LBYR publishes a diverse range of print formats from board books and award-winning children's picture books to best-selling young adult novels. 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, and scheduling needs. 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.

This position requires exceptional leadership skills to support, motivate and mentor staff to foster good habits, teamwork, continuous improvement and growth.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Effectively and efficiently coordinates 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.
• Supervises day-to-day duties of direct report.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Possess knowledge of book production process for a diverse range of formats that is reinforced by 10+ years professional experience in the trade publishing industry. Proven leadership skills in managing a team. Strong experience with book manufacturing in Asia, Europe, and North America. Employs solid negotiating skills. Thorough, accurate, and articulate verbal and written communication skills across departments and at every level of management. Have a high level of organization with attention to detail, an ability to prioritize, and manage complex projects. Possess expert level color assessment and retouching skills, inclusive of the ability to direct outside suppliers through the correction and proofing process. Embraces technological advances in prepress and book manufacturing and new systems in-house. Can utilize technology where appropriate to improve workflow. Proficiency in Excel, basic math, calculating, analyzing, organizing, and presenting data. Comfortable with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign. Illustrator, Photoshop) and Acrobat. Experience with Digital Asset Management systems. Familiarity with digital routing a plus. Thorough understanding of product safety, CPSIA compliance, state laws as well as UK, EU, Australian and Canadian regulations. Drives continuous improvement and innovation by strategically refining process, and challenges established norms where appropriate. Proven ability to build supportive and constructive relationships within and outside of the organization; takes the lead in inspiring others to work together for mutual benefit. Maintains grace under pressure in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.