Production Director (Princeton, NJ Hybrid)

HarperCollins Publishers is seeking a Production Director to oversee book manufacturing for Morrow and HarperCollins Christian frontlist trade titles.

About the role

The Director will lead a team of production managers, issue purchase orders, maintain schedule fidelity, and supervise every aspect of production from manuscript to bound books. This role works closely with Editorial, Publishing, and Design departments to ensure quality manufacturing and timely delivery of various one-color and four-color book formats. Occasional travel for press checks and to the Nashville office is required.

This is a hybrid role, requiring onsite presence 3 days per week at our Plainsboro, NJ office (777 Scudders Mill Road).

Responsibilities

• Schedule and enforce internal due dates for creation of print-ready files
• Ensure files meet all printer specifications and quality standards
• Review proofs for printed components and four-color titles for color accuracy
• Ensure optimal pricing is achieved and margins are protected
• Issue purchase orders to third-party printers and binderies for manufacturing of both General Adult Books and Christian titles
• Manage daily/weekly reports and communicate regular schedule updates for key titles and weekly releases
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and quality issues as they arise
• Support, mentor, and grow team members

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• Minimum 10–15 years of book manufacturing experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work and communicate across internal departments and with external vendors
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Pay

The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000. Offers may be tailored within this range based on the candidate’s experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

The company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, including physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits. Employees may select "elective" benefits to best fit their personal needs.