Hybrid Books Production Controller (12-Month)

CamWebDir; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Society of Chemistry is seeking a Production Controller on a fixed-term contract (up to 12 months) to manage the books production process. The role blends office-based work with UK-wide home working and ad-hoc office attendance.

You will coordinate with editors, authors, freelancers, and suppliers to ensure quality, timely delivery, and adherence to policies. A strong background in science publishing helps, as does collaborative teamwork.

Qualifications

• A degree in science.
• Experience of working in production or editorial roles in publishing.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines, working well individually as well as in a team.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with internal and external contacts, displaying tact and diplomacy where necessary.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to problem-solve and reprioritise tasks based on both business and customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the books production process, including copyediting, proofing, indexing, print and digital publication.
• Ensure external suppliers carry out these activities meet quality and timeliness targets, and that best practice and efficient workflows are applied.
• Liaise with freelance copyeditors and indexers and other third-party suppliers.
• Identify and investigate improvements to processes and policies, and implement relevant changes.
• Maintain excellent relationships with our editors and authors, with good communication and customer service through each step of the production process.
• Maintain our quality standards, and meet our annual publication target, which contributes directly to revenue generation and delivering our books strategy.
• Create and maintain up-to-date documentation to ensure clear understanding of policy, procedures and expectations.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external staff.
• Manage projects to achieve revenue diversification or legislative compliance.
• To deputise for the Senior Production Controller.

Skills

Organisational skills

Time-management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Science degree

Job description

The Royal Society of Chemistry is seeking a Production Controller on a fixed-term contract (up to 12 months) to manage the books production process. The role blends office-based work with UK-wide home working and ad-hoc office attendance.

You will coordinate with editors, authors, freelancers, and suppliers to ensure quality, timely delivery, and adherence to policies. A strong background in science publishing helps, as does collaborative teamwork.