Assistant Production Manager, Artisan

Hachette Book Group is seeking an Assistant Production Manager to coordinate the production and manufacturing of full color frontlist titles published by Artisan, an imprint of The Workman Running Press Group. Artisan publishes illustrated books to inspire and instruct, produced with great intention and quality. We believe that many subjects can be expressed visually, whether through photography, illustration, or graphic design, and we are committed to applying that visual lens to strong and meaningful editorial content. We specialize in cooking, design, crafts, and hobbies, and expanding the boundaries of general nonfiction. The physical book is our great passion: finding the form, conceiving the package, and digging deep into the details until we've created an object that is a singular pleasure to hold, to use, to read, and to give. Artisan's first significant bestseller was Thomas Keller's The French Laundry Cookbook; more recent New York Times bestsellers include Why I Cook, John Derian Picture Book and The Noma Guide to Fermentation.

The ideal candidate will work closely with the Design, Editorial and Managing Editorial department as well as outside vendors to produce high quality printing and binding on aggressive schedules, within budget constraints. The candidate should be comfortable working in a highly collaborative but deadline-driven, team-oriented environment. The candidate will need to balance out of the box thinking and creativity with the practicalities of cost constraints. The candidate will have the ability to successfully execute the vision of the publishing division while taking proactive steps to avoid issues. They must also possess the ability to react quickly and professionally to unforeseen complications with the utmost grace and diplomacy.

Responsibilities:

• Effectively and efficiently coordinates all phases of book production and manufacturing from prepress, printing and binding through final delivery.
• Oversees correction and marking up of color proofs in collaboration with designers and authors.
• Negotiates pricing throughout the development of a product through proper bidding and cost analysis.
• Collaborates with Publisher, Editorial, and Design to conceptualize and develop product.
• Work closely with overseas and domestic vendors to manage supplier performance, to ensure schedule fidelity, a high level of quality, and budget requirements.
• Monitors production schedules through coordination with outside vendors as well as all relevant in-house departments to ensure on-time delivery at every stage of manufacturing.
• Prepare and update budgets and cost estimates both seasonally and on a title-by-title basis.
• Attends and participates in regular production meetings.
• Analyzes production specifications with an eye towards potential cost-saving opportunities. Communicates alternative specifications to editorial and design departments for discussion.
• Works independently, keeping Manager and imprint informed of any service disruption or vendor quality issues. Communicates such issues to the vendor.
• Maintains accurate specification, schedules, cost estimates, purchase orders, and shipping instructions from HBG's Title Management system.

Qualifications:

• Possess knowledge of book production process for a diverse range of formats that is reinforced by 5-8 years professional experience in the trade publishing industry.
• Strong experience with manufacturing in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
• Strong color assessment skills with the ability to provide guidance to in-house team and appropriate instruction and color correction and retouching directives to outside suppliers.
• Employs solid negotiating skills.
• Thorough, accurate, and articulate verbal and written communication skills.
• Possess a high level of organization and is detail oriented, creative, flexible, and able to prioritize.
• Collaborate well with a diverse team of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to utilize technology to improve workflow.
• Proficiency in Excel, basic math, calculating, organizing, and presenting data.
• Skilled use of Mac platform.
• Comfortable with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign. Illustrator, Photoshop) as well as Adobe Acrobat, a plus.
• Seeks continuous improvement and innovative solutions.
• Maintains grace under pressure in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.

This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities (three days a week), which include but are not limited to color-correcting proofs, reviewing samples, and in-office meetings. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1290 Avenue of the Americas.

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 $70,000 - $75,000. 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.