Job Description

Senior Production Controller - Tolkien HarperCollins Publishers


Employment Type Full time


Location Hybrid London, City of, UK


Salary 35,000 - 40,000 (GBP) Depending on skills and experience


Team Group Production


Seniority Mid-level


+ Closing:11:55pm, 21st Jul 2025 BST



Perks and benefits



Work from home option



Healthcare



Retirement benefits



Wellness programs



Employee Assistance Programme



Enhanced maternity and paternity leave



Extra holiday



Professional development



Mentoring/coaching



Paid volunteer days



Flexible benefits scheme



Cycle to work scheme



Candidate happiness



8.66 (30190)







Introduction to the role



This is a fantastic opportunity within the HarperFiction Production Team to manage the wonderful range of JRR Tolkien titles published by HarperCollins globally.



Reporting to the Production Manager, this position will be managing the production of all front-list/backlist and co-edition titles including eBooks for the Tolkien Estate, as well as providing general support to the Production Manager and Production Director as required. We're looking for an individual with experience working on both colour and mono books. Working independently on titles ranging from mass market paperbacks, through to high specification deluxe titles. This person will confidently produce the products within the agreed budget, quality and lead-time requirements. As well as strong organisation and communication skills, we're looking for someone with a creative spark and a keen eye for detail. You must be able to work to deadlines and be able to prioritise your workload.



This is a permanent position.



Core responsibilities



+ Ensure products are produced within budget through estimating and maintaining costs (print, paper and bind costs as well as plant costs); negotiating with suppliers where applicable; presenting accurate final costs and processing invoices.



+ Run costings, ensuring commercial decisions are made using the most accurate information.



+ Manage schedules for both front list titles and reprints, from pre-press through to delivery, ensuring effective communication to all stakeholders.



+ Liaise with warehouse and client services staff on stock issues and the release of your titles.



+ Manage the archiving process to ensure that all product is available via Digital Asset Management System.



+ Manage eBook production in time for publication/corrections.



+ Maintain accurate records and data within the production system.



+ Develop and sustain relationships with key suppliers.



+ Have a key understanding of print quality and various binding materials.



+ Ensure that the expectations and quality standards are maintained for this prestigious list.



+ Maintain communication with the appropriate creative and commercial teams, attending the progress meetings and chairing when required.



+ Assist other team members and Production Manager/Director when required to manage workload and departmental needs.



Experience required



+ Experience working on both mono and colour titles with overseas print suppliers. Working on deluxe titles an advantage



+ Managing multiple projects simultaneously



+ Confidence to manage freight suppliers and shipping terminology



+ Working with spot buy and contract pricing



+ An excellent knowledge of adult trade books and understanding of co-edition publishing



+ Working with multiple external/internal stakeholders, managing workload and priorities



Skills required



+ Excellent mono and 4 colour print book production experience



+ Knowledge of eBook production



+ Experience of project management and working independently on high value titles



+ Negotiation skills



+ Excellent communication skills



+ Excellent numerical skills and commercial acumen



+ Ability to solve problems creatively, and think on your feet, escalating where necessary



+ Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office



+ Desirable: understanding of InDesign/pre-flighting print pdfs



Benefits



+ Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)



+ 28 days holiday plus bank holidays



+ Private healthcare cover and life assurance



+ Summer Hours



+ Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal



+ Relocation Rent Support Loan



+ Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work



+ Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal



+ Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers



+ Gym membership discount



+ Onsite physiotherapy (London only)



+ Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days



+ We're a certified Carbon Neutral company



+ Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books



+ Subsidised canteen and retail discounts



+ Onsite prayer room


If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly totarni.crossley-lees@harpercollins.co.ukwith subject heading 'Vacancy Query' plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.



Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.