Senior Production Controller (13 Month Maternity Cover)

Senior Production Controller (13 Month Maternity Cover) HarperCollins Publishers

Employment Type Contract Starting on August 4th 2025

Location Hybrid London, UK 3+ days office based

Seniority Mid-level

Perks and benefits

Work from home option

Wellness programs

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Mentoring/coaching

Cycle to work scheme

Candidate happiness

8.66 (29991)

Job Description

HarperCollins is one of the UK's foremost, diverse, and innovative multi-platform publishers. We publish a wide range of books, from cutting-edge contemporary fiction to block-busting thrillers and from fantasy literature to children's literature and enduring classics. We also publish a great selection of non-fiction titles, including history, celebrity memoirs, biographies, popular science, dictionaries, maps, reference titles and education books, and our digital business is thriving. With over 200 years of history, we publish some of the world's foremost authors, from Nobel prize-winners to worldwide bestsellers.

Our Production team are looking for a Senior Production Controller to manage the production of Colour Illustrated and mono Books for HarperCollins, both to schedule and within budget. The role will be responsible for managing the Non-Fiction list within the team & will work independently, whilst supporting senior management. This is a great opportunity for someone who has some years of Book Production experience looking to join a forward-thinking and innovative company. This is a temporary position.

To control print projects from conception to conclusion, including costing, setting schedules and progress chasing as well as giving input to project specifications.

To maintain accurate records and data within the production system

To ensure high quality standards are met through quality checking pre-press and printer proofs, final printing materials and finished copies.

To ensure products are produced within budget through estimating and maintaining costs (print, paper and bind costs as well as plant costs); negotiating with suppliers; presenting accurate final costs and processing invoices.

To manage the creation of Frontlist Ebook titles.

To maintain communication with the appropriate creative teams through the attendance of weekly progress meetings, where the Senior Production Controller will be expected to advise on schedules and budgets.

To manage relationships with internal colleagues and external suppliers, ensuring that information is disseminated throughout the business in a clear and visible manner.

To maintain systems such as the Digital Asset Management system and Purchase Order System, ensuring the upload of accurate files and information in a timely manner.

Key Skills/Experience

A depth of both Mono & Colour Book Production Experience

Sound knowledge of technical processes involved in the origination and manufacture of books

Experience of managing multiple projects simultaneously

Excellent communication skills, oral and written

A good understanding of InDesign application files and PDFs

Excellent numeric skills

Excellent organisational & project management skills

Ability to think laterally and problem solve

Ability to adapt to fast moving situations and respond promptly

Excellent prioritisation skills & the ability to support others

Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)

Private healthcare cover and life assurance

Summer Hours

Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal

Relocation Rent Support Loan

Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work

Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal

Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers

Onsite physiotherapy (London only)

Charitable donation matching and2 volunteering days

Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books

Subsidised canteen and retail discounts

Onsite prayer room

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to with subject heading 'Vacancy Query' plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.

Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.