Production Manager, Union Square
1 week ago• New York, NY
SUMMARY:
The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Manager to coordinate the production and manufacturing of titles published by UNSQ Kids and UNSQ Gift, as well as full color titles published by Union Square & Co. The publishing lists managed by these groups compromise a diverse range of print formats from award-winning children’s picture books to best-selling young adult novels to visually stunning four-color art and cookbooks.
The ideal candidate will have the background and expertise to manage a high volume of a diverse range of book formats with varying workflow requirements, complexity, and scheduling needs. Working closely with the Publisher, Managing Editorial, Editorial, Art and Design departments as well as outside vendors and freelance designers, the candidate will produce high quality print books on aggressive schedules, within budget constraints. The candidate needs to be capable of working in a deadline-driven and highly collaborative, team-oriented environment. The candidate will need to balance out-of-the-box thinking and creativity with the practicalities cost constraints. The candidate will have the ability successfully execute the vision of the publishing division while taking proactive steps to avoid issues as well as the ability to react quickly and efficiently to unforeseen complications with the utmost grace and diplomacy. The candidate will assess and implement continuous process improvements that support strategic business goals and support our pillars as well as actively review and manage costs to support Hachette’s profitability targets.
The candidate should have a strong background in product safety compliance to ensure that Children’s books are manufactured in accordance with CPSIA and state laws, as well as UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian regulations.
This is a NYC based role. HBG's current hybrid model is 3 days in-office, 2 days working from home.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Effectively and efficiently coordinates all phases of book production and manufacturing from composition, prepress, printing and binding through final delivery.
- Negotiates pricing throughout the development of a product through proper bidding and cost analysis and submission of cost estimates to Editorial.
- Collaborates with Publisher, Editorial and Design to conceptualize and develop products, apply creative solutions to solve special product needs, budgetary and scheduling constraints, inclusive of proposing cost-savings opportunities and alternate specification options.
- Manage cost estimating responsibilities in accordance with Hachette’s budgetary cycle processes.
- Work closely with vendors to manage performance, schedule fidelity, quality standards, and budget requirements.
- Manage prepress requirements, color correct proofs and attend press checks, as needed.
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- Procure and analyzes bids from the appropriate vendor base and awards the work appropriately.
- Ensure costs are tracked throughout the life of project and that deviations are promptly communicated to the necessary parties.
- Attends and participates in regular production meetings.
- Updates Title Management system with specifications, dates, and other metadata promptly.
- Works independently, keeping Managers and informed of status, any service disruption or vendor quality issues.
- Prepares cost estimates, purchase orders and shipping instructions from HBG’s title management system.
- Supervises day-to-day duties of direct report.
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Possess knowledge of book production process for a diverse range of formats that is reinforced by 10+ years professional experience in the trade publishing industry.
- Strong experience with book manufacturing in Asia, Europe, and North America.
- Employs solid negotiating skills.
- Thorough, accurate, and articulate verbal and written communication skills across departments and at every level of management.
- Have a high level of organization with attention to detail, an ability to prioritize, and manage complex projects.
- Possess expert level color assessment and retouching skills, inclusive of the ability to direct outside suppliers through the correction and proofing process.
- Embraces technological advances in prepress and book manufacturing and new systems in-house. Can utilize technology where appropriate to improve workflow.
- Proficiency in Excel, basic math, calculating, analyzing, organizing, and presenting data.
- Experience with Digital Asset Management systems.
- Familiarity with digital routing a plus.
- Thorough understanding of product safety, CPSIA compliance, state laws as well as UK, EU, Australian and Canadian regulations.
- Drives continuous improvement and innovation by strategically refining process, and challenges established norms where appropriate.
- Proven ability to build supportive and constructive relationships within and outside of the organization; takes the lead in inspiring others to work together for mutual benefit.
- Maintains grace under pressure in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.
Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The compensation for this position is $80,000-$85,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.
Client-provided location(s): New York, NY
Job ID: oAyAwfwY
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2025-07-22T23:36:34
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Sabbatical
- Volunteer Time Off
- Summer Fridays
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Company Videos
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