Production Controller, Collins (12 month FTC)

HarperCollins UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

HarperCollins in London is seeking a Production Controller for a 12-month fixed-term contract to manage frontlist, reprints and special sale titles within budget, quality and lead-time guidelines.

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will oversee costings, schedules, supplier negotiations and the end-to-end production process, while coordinating with print houses, warehouses and internal teams to ensure timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Interest in print production, with focus on cost and schedules.
• Strong communication skills for cross-team coordination.
• Numerical aptitude for cost estimation and budgeting.
• Ability to ask for help and escalate issues when needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard production tools.
• Desirable: knowledge of InDesign/print PDFs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure products are produced within budget through estimating and maintaining costs; negotiate with suppliers and process invoices.
• Run costings and support commercial decisions with accurate data.
• Manage schedules for titles from costing to delivery and communicate with stakeholders.
• Oversee special sales from pricing to print-to-delivery notes and archives.
• Coordinate with print/freight suppliers globally to ensure smooth production.
• Maintain records in the production system and support the team during peak workload.

Skills

Interest in print production

Good communication skills

Good numerical skills

Problem solving

Strong IT skills

InDesign

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.