Production Controller, Books

Royal Society of Chemistry

. Manage all aspects of the books production process, including copyediting, proofing, indexing, print and digital publication.

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeCambridge • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £37,135 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing the book production process, including copyediting, proofing, and publication, while ensuring quality standards and effective workflows. Strong ability to liaise with various stakeholders and implement process improvements to meet publication targets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Book Production ManagementCopyeditingProject ManagementInterpersonal CommunicationOrganizational Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

CopyeditingProofingIndexingProject ManagementProcess ImprovementDocumentation ManagementXMLAccessibility Requirements

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsTime ManagementInterpersonal SkillsProblem-SolvingTeam Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Good Honours Degree in Science

Industry Keywords

PublishingQuality StandardsRevenue GenerationEditorial RolesFreelance Liaison

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage all aspects of the books production process, including copyediting, proofing, indexing, print and digital publication.
Ensure external suppliers achieve RSC quality and timeliness targets and apply best practice and efficient workflows.
Liaise with freelance copyeditors, indexers and other third-party suppliers.
Identify, investigate and implement improvements to processes and policies.
Maintain relationships with editors and authors through each step of the production process.
Maintain quality standards and meet annual publication targets contributing to revenue generation and the books strategy.
Create and maintain up-to-date documentation covering policies, procedures and expectations.
Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external staff.
Manage projects involving revenue diversification or legislative compliance.
Deputise for the Senior Production Controller.
Work with Books Editorial, Creative, Production Services and Sales teams, as well as third-party suppliers, freelancers, editors and authors.
Lead additional initiatives such as books XML, accessibility requirements or customer service.

Requirements

What you’ll need

One of the following (or both): A good honours degree in science.
Experience of working in production or editorial roles in publishing.
Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
Ability to work well individually as well as in a team.
Good interpersonal and communication skills with internal and external contacts, displaying tact and diplomacy where necessary.
Excellent attention to detail and the ability to problem-solve and reprioritise tasks based on both business and customer needs.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid working with the ability to work from home within the UK
Flexible working arrangements considered
Opportunities to learn and develop skills in scholarly publishing activities
Professional relationship and network growth
Project and supplier management opportunities
Opportunity to deputise for the Senior Production Controller
Diverse workforce and inclusive culture
Reasonable adjustments and accessible recruitment processes