Production Controller, Collins (12 month FTC)

HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. in London is seeking a Production Controller to manage frontlist, reprints and special sale titles on a 12‑month fixed term contract. You’ll work within the Group Production team to ensure products meet budget, quality and lead‑time requirements.

The role requires strong organisation, clear communication, and the ability to juggle multiple titles while meeting deadlines. Hybrid working with three days in the London office is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in book production and cost management.
• Strong organisation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects to deadlines.
• Good numerical skills.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and control costs across print, paper, bind and plant costs.
• Run costings using accurate data for commercial decisions.
• Manage schedules from costing to delivery and coordinate stakeholders.
• Coordinate special sales from pricing to delivery notes.
• Work with print and freight suppliers globally.
• Liaise with warehouse and client services on stock issues.
• Maintain records in the production system.
• Ensure compliance with safety legislation and licensors.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and assist teams.
• Check proofs against prints and ensure accuracy.
• Participate in reprint meetings and support the team.

Skills

Book production

Numerical skills

Communication skills

InDesign experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

InDesign

Job description

Production Controller, Collins (12 month FTC)

Application Deadline: 21 October 2026

Department: Production

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: London

Compensation: £31,500 - £33,500 / year

Description

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a wide range of products from our Education and Reference lists, including full colour, mono and novelty, working across highly successful brands, and bestselling titles.

Reporting to the Production Manager for Collins, the Production Controller will be working within the Group Production team to produce frontlist, reprints and special sale titles, as well as giving general support to the rest of the team. We are looking for an individual with book production experience who will confidently produce the products within the agreed budget, quality and lead-time requirements.

As well as strong organisation and communication skills, we’re looking for someone with a creative spark and a keen eye for detail. You must be able to work to deadlines on multiple projects at the same time, and be able to prioritise your workload. This is an ideal opportunity for a Production Assistant ready for their next step, or a Production Controller looking for a change.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure products are produced within budget through estimating and maintaining costs (print, paper and bind costs as well as plant costs); negotiating with suppliers where applicable; presenting accurate final costs and processing invoices.
• Run costings, ensuring commercial decisions are made using the most accurate information.
• Manage schedules for titles, from costing through to delivery, ensuring effective communication to all stakeholders.
• Manage special sales, from pricing, scheduling, file supply/approvals through print to shipping and delivery notes.
• Work with print and freight suppliers in Asia, Europe and elsewhere to ensure effective production.
• Liaise with warehouse and client services staff on stock issues and the release of your titles.
• Manage the archiving process to ensure that all product is available via the Digital Asset Management System.
• In conjunction with managers, ensure all books and other products comply with relevant safety legislation.
• Ensure print work is placed according to HC social compliance and other standards, particularly in relation to specific licensors.
• Maintain accurate records and data within the production system.
• Develop relationships with key suppliers.
• Check plotter proofs or InSite proofs, check colour proofs where necessary and make sure printing matches proofs or previous printed copies.
• Maintain communication with the appropriate creative and commercial teams, attending reprint meetings.
• Assist other Production Controllers and Production Manager when required to manage workload and departmental needs.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Interest in print production
• Good communication skills
• Good numerical skills
• Ability to ask for help with solving problems, escalating as necessary
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office
• Desirable: understanding of InDesign/print pdfs

Additional Information

HarperCollins operates a hybrid working policy where employees are expected to work from our London office three days per week.

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position, please contact [e-mail] with the subject line 'Vacancy Query' followed by the job title. We aim to respond within 5 working days.