Job Description

The Senior Publishing Operations Manager will provide Publishing Operations services for HarperFiction, One More Chapter, and Avon. Using HarperCollins' databases, regular reporting, and a keen knowledge of the critical path and publishing processes, this role will guide and support the other teams in the divisions, ensuring a smooth workflow from acquisition to publication, and beyond. Uniquely, this role will also drive the Publishing Operations services for our Locked Library and Forbidden Wing Special Editions, working closely with the team at Glasgow to ensure the smooth running of a complex workflow.
HarperFiction, One More Chapter, and Avon are dynamic divisions with a diversity of working processes. This role is an integral part of the ongoing success of these divisions and would suit someone with exemplary project management skills, a dedication to attention to detail, and a commitment to supporting others.
Key tasks and accountabilities
Trade publishing:
Maintain the central bibliographic database (Filemaker Plan G), ensuring any changes to publication dates, prices, formats, and territories are accurate and reported to the wider teams.
Represent the Publishing Operations function at One More Chapter and Avon scheduling meetings and ensure that publication date changes are implemented and communicated to the wider teams.
Maintain the Publishing Schedules (Excel) for HarperFiction and Avon and assist with preparing the Publishing Schedules for annual budgeting.
Create and distribute regular and bespoke reports (from Filemaker Plan G), to keep the wider team informed of tasks and target dates.
Proactively collaborate with Editorial, Production, Design, UK Sales, International Sales, and Sales Operations to help deliver the publishing programme on time and escalate known challenges to the Publishing Operations Director.
Proactively liaise with Editorial, Digital, and Production to ensure eBooks meet critical-path targets.
Represent the Publishing Operations function at regular progress meetings (with Editorial, Design, and Production).
Provide insight and support to the divisions regarding the distribution and presentation of our titles on Amazon, Waterstones, and other retailer sites.
Work with the Publishing Operations Director and Publishing Systems Team to develop and refine our in-house working processes.
Locked Library/Forbidden Wing publishing:
Set up LL/FW records on Filemaker Plan G and maintain the Locked Library and Special Edition trackers.
Support Publishing Operations teams in other parts of the business who are publishing LL/FW subscription boxes.
Use data-driven decisions to create and distribute schedules for the release of LL/FW stock from the warehouse.
Proactively liaise with the Admin Services team, the Glasgow team, TikTok team, and Sales Operations to ensure LL/FW boxes reach the right customers on time.
Collaborate with the Publishing Systems and Glasgow team to link LL/FW ISBNs with the trade editions.
Proactively monitor and track LL/FW orders using the Matrixify app, Excel reporting, and HarperCollins' Horizon database.
Represent the Publishing Operations function at Locked Library meetings, providing operational strategies and guidance where necessary.
Work with the Head of Special Editions to develop and refine our in-house working processes.
Experience required
Previous publishing experience
Knowledge of publishing systems and processes
Knowledge or experience of operations
Skills required
Meticulous attention to detail
Exemplary project management skills, with an ability to manage competing priorities
The ability to look ahead, and identify, analyse, and resolve issues
Clear communication and negotiation skills
An ability to foster collaboration with colleagues at all levels
An ability to efficiently assimilate information, with a commitment to learning and improving processes
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 to with 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.