Senior Production Controller (Maternity cover)

A global publisher of beautifully crafted illustrated books on art, architecture, design, fashion, photography, travel, and popular culture is looking for a multi-talented Senior Production Controller to join their team.

In this role you will be responsible for the production process on a range of highly production-focused front list titles, from concept through to delivery of books. You will be reporting directly to the Production Director and Production Manager.

Due to the high quality nature of the books, the successful candidate will have a strong understanding of illustrated books’ production process (3-5 years of experience).

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your book production skills, at the very highest level.

Key responsibilities: 

Production Scheduling and Planning

• Create, maintain and update production schedules in conjunction with the bookmaking team and Production Director.
• Schedule any sourcing, testing and purchase of all book-making materials.
• Ensure pre-press and print suppliers are aware of schedules and meeting deadlines.
• Report formally on progress on a weekly basis in various set meetings.

Pre-press, Print and Quality Control

• Interpret the book’s specifications and realise the design vision requested, within budget and schedule.
• Control all aspects of pre-press/repro: assessing quality and logging originals, briefing and preparing material for repro house, proof-checking, colour correcting, and file checking. 
• Negotiate on print costs and supply final detailed specifications to the printer, ensuring they match the samples approved.
• Review and approve final e-plotter / paper plotter from printer, alongside approval from Editorial.

Cost Control and Administration

• Keep the publisher’s database up to date with all costs, specifications and scheduling information. 
• Issue Purchase Orders to pre-press and print suppliers.
• Review and approve invoices, resolving issues where any occur.
• Report to the Shipping Manager to compile and issue packing, shipping and delivery instructions to the printer. 
• Archive final materials.
• Update notes for second printings and ensure the printers are also aware.

Experience and skills required:

• A minimum of 3–5 years previous experience.
• A strong understanding of four-colour repro and printing, with a proven ability to work directly with artists, designers, and printers.
• Excellent knowledge of a wide range of finishing and binding styles, and their interactions within the bookmaking process.
• Demonstrable knowledge and skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Photoshop, Excel, and Google Drive.

Salary: £36k DOE

Fixed term contract: 12 months (Maternity cover)

Hybrid working pattern: You will be working three days office-based / two days home-based.

Location: London

If you are interested in this role, please contact Dan at dan@wonderfulideasproject.com 

Early applicants will be prioritised due to the role’s start date being in June. 

We try really hard to get back to everybody, but due to the high volume of applications it's not always possible.

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.