Production Controller

HarperCollins Publishers UK

. Produce frontlist, reprints and special sale titles within agreed budget, quality and lead-time requirements .

Posted 10/7/2026contractLondon • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £31,500 - £33,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in book production, including managing title schedules, cost estimation, and supplier negotiations while ensuring compliance with safety legislation and quality standards. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for coordinating with various teams and managing multiple projects effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Book Production ExperienceCost EstimationSupplier NegotiationMicrosoft Office ProficiencyInDesign Understanding

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Costing ManagementPrint ProductionDigital Asset ManagementProduction System Record MaintenanceQuality Compliance

Soft Skills

Good Communication SkillsStrong Organisation SkillsProblem-Solving AbilityAttention to DetailAbility to Work Under Deadlines

Tools & Technologies

InDesignMicrosoft OfficePlotterInSiteDigital Asset Management System

Industry Keywords

Print ProductionSupplier ManagementSafety Legislation ComplianceTitle SchedulingReprint Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Spark

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Produce frontlist, reprints and special sale titles within agreed budget, quality and lead-time requirements
Estimate and maintain print, paper, bind and plant costs
Negotiate with suppliers where applicable
Present accurate final costs and process invoices
Run costings using accurate commercial information
Manage title schedules from costing through delivery
Manage special sales from pricing and scheduling through print, shipping and delivery notes
Work with print and freight suppliers in Asia, Europe and elsewhere
Liaise with warehouse and client services staff on stock issues and title releases
Manage archiving through the Digital Asset Management System
Ensure books and products comply with relevant safety legislation
Ensure print work meets HC social compliance and licensor standards
Maintain accurate production-system records and data
Develop relationships with key suppliers
Check plotter, InSite and colour proofs against specifications or previous printed copies
Communicate with creative and commercial teams and attend reprint meetings
Support other Production Controllers and the Production Manager as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Book production experience
Interest in print production
Good communication skills
Good numerical skills
Ability to ask for help with solving problems, escalating as necessary
Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office
Understanding of InDesign/print PDFs (desirable)
Ability to work to deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to prioritise workload
Strong organisation skills
Creative spark and keen eye for detail

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid working policy; employees are expected to work from the London office three days per week