Contract Production Manager - Children's Books

Macmillan Learning; New York (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group is seeking an experienced Production Manager on a contract basis to own the full print production lifecycle for children’s books—from cost estimates through PO, proofs, and final delivery. You’ll work with domestic and overseas printers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery.

The role includes managing 45 paperback conversions per year, overseeing the entire lifecycle (composition, prepress, printing, binding, delivery), and

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of 4c and 1c book production experience.
• Experience with Children's Books preferred.
• Strong knowledge of 4-color printing, prepress, and digital file preparation.
• Understand publishing business and how production affects success.
• Ability to prioritize and stay organized.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in work.
• Collaborates with others in a professional manner.
• Adaptable to delays and changing schedules.
• Experience managing multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Knowledge of Google platform desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire lifecycle: composition, prepress, printing, binding, and final delivery.
• Manage paperback conversions for 1-color and 4-color titles.
• Route PDFs for text and covers, manage color and text corrections as needed.
• Review digital and physical proofs and address issues.
• Ensure all products meet safety and testing requirements.
• Manage title budgets, cost estimates, purchase orders, and invoices.
• Track production schedules and deadlines across all manufacturing stages.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and suggest alternative materials or processes.
• Source and manage relationships with domestic and overseas printers, binderies, and component suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, monitor vendor performance, and ensure quality standards.
• Partner with editorial, design, and other teams to solve production challenges.
• Provide manufacturing insights and options to internal stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on title progress and production status.
• Maintain clear, concise reports for senior management.

Skills

4c and 1c production

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Organized and detail oriented

Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

RSuite

Biblio

Digital workflow systems

Digital Asset Management

Job description

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group is seeking an experienced Production Manager on a contract basis to own the full print production lifecycle for children’s books—from cost estimates through PO, proofs, and final delivery. You’ll work with domestic and overseas printers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery.

The role includes managing 45 paperback conversions per year, overseeing the entire lifecycle (composition, prepress, printing, binding, delivery), and