Production Manager

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with editorial and design colleagues to determine the best specification per title, and build effective specification for print production.
• Obtain quotes from printers and work to place projects within the placement guidelines of Andrews McMeel Production.
• Cook up and manage all steps (ordering through delivery) of book and calendar titles on the front list of Andrews McMeel Publishing, Amen Editions, Amber Lotus imprints.
• Steps include preparing information for weekly inventory meeting, obtaining/confirming bound book/ex-factory date and other scheduling needs, write and send purchase order (PO) to printer, tracking and maintaining PO in inventory management system.
• Track and review print and shipping budget, and auditing/approving associated manufacturing/shipping invoices.
• Collaborate and problem solve from a production viewpoint throughout the ideation and production processes.
• Review color proofs – both physical and soft proofing – and be comfortable guiding Designers in file preparation.
• Monitor production quality and consistency for assigned titles.
• Monitor progress against schedules, keeping others updated with information and participate in all relevant weekly meetings.
• Work on special projects as necessary.

Essential Skills

• Strong verbal, written, and especially negotiation skills.
• Willingness to learn various web-based software programs.
• Capability to favorably interact with a variety of personalities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Problem-solving skills with a focus on achieving a mutually agreeable outcome with AMP vendors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in graphic arts production.
• Proficiency in Office 365, Excel, Word, and Adobe PDF.