Sr Associate Publishing Production

Sr Associate Publishing Production

The Senior Associate, Publishing Production is responsible for supporting the successful execution of the production process of a portfolio of complex publishing projects from manuscript through manufacturing and final delivery. This role, in close collaboration with the Sr Manager, supports the production planning, vendor management, scheduling, quality, and cost while serving as a key partner to Editorial, Design, Creative, Inventory Planning, Sales, Finance, Licensing, and external manufacturing partners.

The Senior Associate, Publishing Production proactively identifies and resolves production risks, provides recommendations, and partners with the Sr Manager and cross-functional stakeholders to resolve issues and drive efficient execution through continuous process improvement. This position plays a critical role in ensuring Mattel Publishing products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

Duties for this role include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate production activities for assigned publishing titles, ensuring projects remain on schedule, within budget, and meet established quality standards.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed production schedules, proactively identifying risks and suggest mitigation plans to ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Collaborate in the production planning for assigned titles, reviewing specifications, estimates, manufacturing methods, and production timelines for accuracy and feasibility.
• Troubleshoot production challenges include printer delays, file issues, specification conflicts, manufacturing defects, and schedule changes while driving timely resolution.
• Serve as a key production liaison between Editorial, Design, Creative, Inventory Planning, Sales, Finance, Licensing, and external manufacturing partners.
• Review production estimates, specifications, proofs, color targets, manufacturing samples, and provide recommendations to final production plans.
• Maintain relationships and day-to-day communication with domestic and international printers, prepress vendors, binders, and component suppliers, negotiating schedules and escalating issues as needed.
• Evaluate and communicate the impact of specification changes, schedule revisions, and manufacturing decisions on cost, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Monitor title portfolios for schedule adherence, production risks, quality concerns, and cost variances, providing recommendations and escalation when appropriate.
• Support department leadership on titles requiring additional production oversight or experiencing schedule or manufacturing challenges.
• Analyze and provide input to production standards, manufacturing specifications, quality requirements, and publishing workflows to ensure consistency across all projects.
• Provide production analysis and recommendations to support leadership decision-making on production estimates, manufacturing costs, and budget planning for assigned title portfolios.
• Attend and participate in recurring production status meetings, cross-functional planning sessions, and vendor reviews to ensure alignment across stakeholders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve workflows, documentation, reporting, quality assurance, and production efficiency.
• Maintain accurate production records, schedules, manufacturing documentation, and project data within publishing systems to support reporting, compliance, and efficient execution.
• Support special publishing initiatives, process improvements, and strategic projects as assigned needed.

What We're Looking For:

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in children's, trade, licensed, or consumer products publishing.
• Knowledge of global manufacturing, import logistics, and international print sourcing.
• Experience managing print budgets, forecasting production costs, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS), manufacturing standards, and continuous process improvement methodologies.
• Working knowledge of title management, ERP, or project management systems (Smartsheet, or similar).
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives, FSC-certified paper, and publishing compliance standards is preferred.

Competencies

• Project Management: Effectively manages multiple complex projects, balancing priorities, timelines, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Problem Solving: Identifies risks early, evaluates options, and implements practical, timely solutions to production challenges.
• Decision Making: Exercises sound judgment when prioritizing work, resolving issues, and making production-related recommendations.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders, vendors, and leadership across all levels of the organization.
• Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure alignment and successful execution of publishing initiatives.
• Vendor Management: Develops productive…