HarperCollins Christian Publishing seeks an experienced book Senior Production Manager (Buyer) to complement our print production team. The Sr. Production Manager will ultimately be responsible for schedule control, quality control, cost control, supplier development, and continuous improvement.

The Senior Production Manager will be the primary Production point of contact for assigned Publisher(s). They will be responsible for purchasing new publications as well as reprints.

1. Schedule Control: Maintains production schedule for products being managed. Attends or leads weekly production meetings. Keeps stakeholders informed of key dates and alert them when dates are missed. Negotiates quick turn times when requested by Inventory. Responsible for new pubs and reprints delivering on-time. Understands inventory management principles and works with suppliers to implement programs which reduce lead time, lower inventory levels, and improve turnover.

2. Quality Control: Clearly understands the quality expectations for a product and communicates to supplier. Knows the different printing and binding production processes, suppliers, and materials to maximize manufacturing quality and meet Publishing expectations. All specifications on purchase orders are complete and accurate. Quality standards are always made clear to the supplier. When a supplier deviates from standards or can improve, timely feedback is given. Ensures all proofs are reviewed and approved by editorial and/or design staff. Troubleshoots quality issues to determine quickest fix at least cost. Attends multi-department crisis meeting when required. Keeps Publishing, Marketing and Inventory updated when quality issues arise.

3. Cost Control: Develops cost effective product specifications and manufacturing plans. Promotes standardization of materials, suppliers, and specifications. Initiates communications with Publishing, Marketing, Sales, and Designers regarding cost-saving opportunities. Partners with suppliers for creative cost-savings options. Provides accurate APL costs in a timely manner. Carefully analyzes and compares quotes to negotiate best possible price for each purchase. Rejects unjustified cost increases. Understands financial measurements – Profit & Loss, PPB, Turnover, Fill Rate – and how to positively impact them. Has sufficient knowledge of Excel to run reports and complete financial analysis. Works with suppliers to develop standardized /scale pricing for high volume formats.

4. Supplier Development: Actively seeks out and evaluates new domestic and overseas suppliers who can offer better quality, service, price, and innovative solutions than current suppliers. Provides education about HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s history, industry, and market. Clearly communicates goals and strategies of product group represented. Communicates quality and service expectations. Provides constant feedback to hold supplier accountable to meet expectations regarding quality, schedule, service, and proofing. Manages test orders to evaluate capabilities. Shares developments with other members of Production. Seeks out new and innovative products and materials.

5. Continuous Improvement: Learns about new technology and works to develop processes and procedures which allow us to take advantage of new technology. Implements new processes and procedures to improve efficiency and reduce errors. Creates and updates process documents.

Work Experience: 8+ years of book production (buying) experience required.

Education: College degree or equivalent experience required.

Industry Knowledge: Expert in advanced concepts, practices and procedures of the book publishing and manufacturing industry.

Skills:

• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks at different stages of the process.
• Strong project and time management skills. Must hit deadlines.
• Advanced computer skills, especially with MS Excel.
• Highly detail oriented with an emphasis on accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Strong mathematical aptitude with shrewed negotiation skills.
• A resourceful problem solver.
• Learns new systems quickly.
• Flexibility is a must.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $85,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company.  As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates.  The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.  

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.