Senior Production Controller - DK Production

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Have you got a keen eye for detail and a knack for keeping things running smoothly? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment where no two days are the same? If so, we've got the perfect opportunity for you!

DK is the leading publisher in non-fiction illustrated works. We aim to move the world forward, one book at a time, by championing new thinking and creativity and putting the customer at the forefront of what we do.

As one of our Senior Production Controllers, you'll be the backbone of our production process. You'll juggle schedules, budgets, and resources with finesse, ensuring that our projects stay on track and our teams stay happy. Your meticulous planning and exceptional organisational skills will be put to the test as you coordinate with various departments, from pre-production to post-production, to bring our visions to life.

As a forward-thinking professional, you will stay ahead of the curve by keeping up with industry trends and technological advancements. Your innovative mindset will help enhance our production processes and boost efficiency, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the publishing world. You will also:

• Be responsible for the development and workload of your line report. Running weekly catch ups, and annual personal development conversations. Ensuring they have everything they need to succeed now and in the future
• Deliver the list (including responsibility for your line report's titles) from initial front list development/costing/scheduling through to final delivery (Frontlist, Backlist, Co-edition, Special Sales)
• Ensure the list is delivered on time, on budget and to the necessary quality, including safety and CSR standards
• Be the first point of contact for front list development of both novelty and conventional formats, pricing and operational processes (including product development, spot buying, approval of Pinks pricing, title placement, scheduling, shipping and overseeing dummies, advances and quality control)
• Utilise a clear negotiation strategy when obtaining pricing and schedules from our suppliers ensuring that you benchmark and compare to get the best commercial deal for the company
• Ensure print is placed in line with department strategy, contributing towards annual print strategy planning with your Head of Production

Key Requirements:

• Extensive experience in production control, ideally within the publishing industry
• In-depth knowledge of the publishing process, including pre-press, printing, and distribution.
• Superb attention to detail, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask, problem solve and prioritise effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• A commercial mindset, with the ability to understand the business aspects of production control and make decisions that align with our company's goals and objectives.

Proven negotiation skills, allowing you to effectively collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to secure the best deals and ensure cost-effective production processes.

If this sounds like you, please submit your most recent CV and cover letter before Friday 15th November.

We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Volunteering policy and charity matching
• Employee assistance programme
• 60% discount on company books
• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Flex fridays (1pm Finish*)
• Shopping discounts
• Up to 30 days remote working from abroad
• And we plant a tree for every new employee to our business

DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code.

DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.

DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new 'smart-working' policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK's office.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade, but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org

*Subject to certain criteria being met.

About our Company:

We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books.

We are the world's leading illustrated publisher and a member of the Penguin Random House division of Bertelsmann, creating cutting-edge design and stunning visual books for the whole family. We are passionate about inspiring curiosity and bring people to books through their thirst for knowledge. With a global book loving community of over 800 colleagues in the UK, US, Germany, India, China, Spain and Australia, we produce books in over 100 countries and over 60 languages. Find out more on dk.com.

Company: Dorling Kindersley Limited

Country: United Kingdom

State/Region: London

City: London

Postal Code: SW1V 2SA

Job ID: 275223

Date: 7 Nov 2024

Location: