Senior Production Associate

Join the UNSQ team as a Senior Production Associate and help bring exceptional books to life. In this role you will oversee the manufacturing of adult and children’s one‑color titles across hardcover and paperback formats, managing titles from early estimates to finished book while collaborating closely with Editorial, Managing Editorial, Design, and our printers.

Responsibilities

• Proactively monitor production schedules.
• Coordinate with outside vendors (U.S. and overseas) and in‑house managing editorial, design, and inventory to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Supervise outside vendors (U.S. and overseas) to regulate supplier performance and meet schedule, quality, and budget requirements amid shifting timelines.
• Perform desk duties including cost estimating, production scheduling, preflighting files; proof trafficking; and basic color assessment.
• Prepare and update budgets and cost estimates, both seasonally and on a title‑by‑title basis.
• Prepare purchase orders and shipping instructions from HBG’s proprietary title management system.
• Attend and participate in weekly production meetings.
• Analyze production specifications to propose cost‑saving measures.
• Work under supervision, keeping the Senior Manager and imprint informed of any service disruption or vendor quality issues; communicate such issues to the vendor in collaboration with the Senior Manager.
• Maintain accurate specification and scheduling information in company databases.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• College degree or relevant work experience.
• 3–5 years experience in 1/c print book manufacturing with both domestic and overseas suppliers.
• Effective and efficient vendor management skills.
• Comfort with Adobe Creative Suite and basic file preflight, specifically InDesign and Acrobat.
• Creative, highly organized, and detail‑oriented.
• Flexible and able to prioritize in high‑volume work.
• Self‑starter requiring minimal supervision, able to collaborate with a diverse team of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Excel, basic math, calculating, analyzing and organizing data.
• Thorough, accurate, and articulate verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with digital asset management systems.
• Seeks continuous improvement and innovative solutions.
• Maintains grace under pressure in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $70K‑$75K. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• Accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and long‑term care insurance.
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Commuter benefit plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• Tuition reimbursement and travel assistance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• PTO package: 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays, and generous sick leave.
• Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services.

Overtime may be required or requested due to workload, exceptional projects, or special circumstances.