Production Controller | Independent Publisher | London | Permanent

Are you an experienced Production Controller looking to work for your next challenge? Read on if you’re looking for a varied role where you can take real ownership of titles from files through to print and delivery.

Our partner: Our partner is a proudly independent publisher with a broad and varied list spanning adult and children’s publishing, classics, reference, activity books, and more. With an international outlook, their books reach readers around the world and involve working with authors, illustrators, printers, and other partners across multiple markets. It’s an established, collaborative business that combines creative publishing with a strong focus on quality and accessible books.

Responsibilities:

Take ownership of new books, reprints, and other projects from files through to print and delivery, managing schedules and taking action where necessary to keep projects on track.
Work closely with a worldwide supplier base, providing accurate production, specification, packing, and delivery instructions, answering queries, and coordinating materials and approvals.
Check materials, proofs, and finished books against required quality and safety standards, troubleshoot technical issues, and advise colleagues and external contacts on production requirements.
Maintain accurate information within company systems, raise purchase orders, check invoices, resolve queries, and support the smooth flow of production information across internal teams, suppliers, and customers.

Experience and skills that will deliver success in this role: The right candidate will be an organised and technically confident book production professional who enjoys managing varied projects and taking responsibility for getting the detail right. You’ll be comfortable balancing several schedules at once, communicating with suppliers and colleagues, and calmly troubleshooting when production challenges arise.

Essential:

Book production experience across a broad range of formats and specifications, with solid technical knowledge of printing and experience managing schedules from files through to print and delivery.
Experience working with suppliers and customers internationally, with the communication and organisational skills to coordinate specifications, approvals, and deadlines effectively.
Advanced Mac skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, alongside meticulous attention to detail when reviewing data, files, and finished books.
Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, remain calm under pressure, and confidently solve production problems.

Desirable:

Experience of books-plus or novelty formats, particularly products involving pens or pencils, alongside knowledge of the associated product safety testing requirements.
Experience using Biblio
Experience managing shipping and logistics and/or co-edition print management.

The opportunity: This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys the hands-on, problem-solving side of book production and wants genuine ownership of their projects. You’ll work across an unusually varied publishing list, formats, suppliers, and customers, following titles right through from files to finished product and delivery. You’ll also be joining a friendly, collaborative production environment where knowledge is shared and good technology supports flexible working.

What’s on offer:

Salary: £33-35k DOE
Working pattern: Hybrid working available following a 3-month initial training period, with a minimum of two days per week in the London office.
Reports to: Production Director

Applications: Click the button below.

Alternatively, send your CV to Dan at dan@wonderfulideasproject.com

If applying via email, please use the following as the subject line: Production Controller | JobID: ZR_382_JOB

Don't delay in applying if this is the job for you! We're not working to a fixed closing date, so we're keen to hear from you as soon as possible.

We understand what it's like when you don't get a response to your application. Although we work hard to acknowledge everybody, many of our roles have a large number of applicants and we can't always respond to all of you.

At Wonderful, we are dedicated to promoting diversity in all its forms. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment that promotes equal opportunities for wonderful people. We actively encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply and warmly welcome all individuals with exceptional abilities, irrespective of their background.

Find out more about Wonderful:

www.wonderfulrecruitment.com

www.linkedin.com/company/wonderful-recruitment-and-development/

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