Book Production Manager/Senior Production Manager, Zeitgeist (Open to Remote)

Book Production Manager/Senior Production Manager, Zeitgeist (Open to Remote)

Zeitgeist at Penguin Random House seeks a Book Production Manager/Senior Book Production Manager to join an innovative team focused on demand-based, data-driven original titles and adaptations across a variety of nonfiction genres.  Reporting to the Director of Operations, the experienced production expert will work on a list of approximately 45-55 frontlist titles, across all reprints, and will play an essential role in ensuring that books are produced within budget, delivered on time, and are of the highest quality.

 

Zeitgeist is an innovative group that brings consumer-needs driven nonfiction books to market. We create products that inform, inspire, and activate people’s commitment to improving and enjoying their lives. Zeitgeist offers accessible content, tools, and expertise across a wide range of nonfiction, including health, wellness, love and relationships, cookbooks, parenting, spirituality, children’s books, and much more. We are an adaptive team with a growth mindset, constantly learning and reflecting on our work to improve our team and our books.

 

This experienced Production Manager/Senior Production Manager will be part of a fast-paced and collaborative group. Should have a hands-on understanding of 1/color and 4/color trade hardcover and paperback production and experience dealing with multiple vendors, including compositors and component printers. The role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, can handle multiple tasks at one time in a deadline-driven environment, and is interested in further managing the bookmaking process from the phases of paperback and hardcover book production.

 

Please apply using our ATS system by June 17, 2024, and include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House we recommend you review our applicant resources page and FAQs page.

 

The Role:

• Consulting with Director of Operations to develop the specifications and schedules for individual titles 
• Cost estimating with printing partners, including multiple spec options for frontlist and backlist titles 
• Managing reprints corrections space and begins routing of reprint changes needed to editorial, design, and marketing
• Entering and updating book specifications into the PRH SAP system
• Issuing purchase orders for each assigned title and reprint and approving necessary costs and invoices
• Working closely with vendors—including compositors, component printers and printer/binderies— to troubleshoot file queries and maintain schedules and deliverables
• Trafficking materials and proofs internally and with outside vendors
• Color reviewing titles as needed both internally and with outside vendors
• Working with marketing and inventory to plan the manufacture and timing of reprints for a growing backlist
• Examining book samples and ensuring quality benchmarks are maintained for each book product
• Handling special projects as assigned by Director of Operations 

 

The Essentials: 

• Minimum of 5-8 years of trade paperback production experience
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a deadline driven environment
• Demonstrates proficiency in mathematical skills to accurately complete book cost estimates
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects at a time and to effectively problem solve
• Proven experience working with multiple print vendors
• Knowledge of prepress, color correction, printing, binding, and special effects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Box, and Outlook
• Knowledge of SAP, varying book formats and nontraditional products, Mass Transit, Adobe Acrobat Pro, InDesign, and Photoshop a plus 

 

The salary for Book Production Manager is $70,000 and the salary range for a Senior Book Production Manager is $75,000-$78,000.  All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental,