Sr. Production Director

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Set clear goals aligned with organizational priorities and ensure effective allocation of resources
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and support career development and succession planning
• Partner with the VP, Production to define and implement departmental strategy
• Act as a key escalation point for production, supplier, and quality-related issues
• Oversee and maintain production schedules for assigned titles, ensuring timely delivery of new publications and reprints
• Lead or participate in weekly production meetings and communicate updates to stakeholders
• Collaborate with Inventory and suppliers to optimize lead times, improve turnover, and support inventory goals
• Negotiate expedited timelines when necessary
• Build and manage strong relationships with print suppliers
• Clearly communicate expectations for quality, cost, schedule, and service
• Monitor supplier performance and address issues proactively
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers, including managing test orders
• Encourage innovation by partnering with suppliers on new formats, materials, and cost-saving solutions
• Define and uphold quality standards across all products and suppliers
• Ensure all specifications and purchase orders are accurate and complete
• Oversee proofing processes and ensure approvals from editorial and design teams
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement timely, cost-effective solutions
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders when quality issues arise
• Develop cost-effective product specifications and manufacturing plans
• Analyze quotes and negotiate competitive pricing with suppliers
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across formats, materials, and processes
• Provide accurate cost estimates and support financial planning
• Apply understanding of key financial metrics (e.g., P&L, PPB, turnover, fill rate) to improve performance
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors
• Stay informed about new production technologies and implement where beneficial
• Maintain and update process documentation
• Represent Production in cross-functional initiatives and system implementations
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with editorial, design, sales, inventory, and finance teams
• Support leadership reporting and communication of production updates
• Champion sustainability initiatives within production operations
• Promote responsible sourcing, carbon reduction, and ethical manufacturing practices
• Ensure supplier compliance with environmental and ethical standards

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in book production within publishing
• 6+ years of recent proven leadership and team management experience
• Bible manufacturing experience preferred but not required