Publishing Operations Manager

Overview

Job Title: Publishing Operations Manager (Covers & Critical Path)

Department: Business Process Team, Publishing Operations

Contract: Full time, 18-month fixed-term contract

Pan Macmillan are seeking a Publishing Operations Manager to lead the operational framework for our publishing processes on an 18-month fixed-term contract. This role reviews the systems, tools and workflows to ensure all assets meet retail deadlines and adhere to the company’s critical path. The role is introduced to adapt schedules and working practices for various routes to market and consumer needs.

You will work within the Business Process team, which sits within the wider Publishing Operations department. The team analyzes and specifies developments and improvements in business processes and collaborates with colleagues across the company to understand diverse ways of working.

As the Publishing Operations Manager, you will report to the Business Process Director and collaborate with Publishers, the Associate Publisher, Art Directors, Studio Manager and Sales Directors. You will focus on schedule optimization and problem-solving to ensure consumer demands are met, maximizing the effectiveness of systems, planning frameworks and cross-functional processes. While the Studio Manager leads creative execution, you will concentrate on workflow architecture, cross-department alignment and intelligent planning.

• Audit and refine the critical path: Work with the Business Process Director to revise timings on the Critical Path from Acquisition to Print so processes meet operational needs and external market demands.
• Implement AI-enabled tracking: Integrate or manage tools that provide real-time visibility into project status to support workflow management within the Art & Design team.
• Develop fast-track schedules: Create operational workflows for fast acquisitions, high-priority retailer exclusives and special editions that bypass standard long-lead times.
• Capacity planning: Collaborate with the Studio Manager to provide visibility of capacity and forward workload planning.
• Sales & art liaison: Act as the primary filter for Commercial requests, determining operational viability of proposed Critical Paths and supporting list-level planning beyond individual titles.
• Stakeholder reporting: Provide regular reporting to the Business Process Director and Art Director on the publishing list and risks to 2026 speed-to-market goals.

• Workflow mapping: Proven ability to map complex end-to-end processes, eliminate single points of failure and streamline administrative loops.
• Project management methodology: Practical experience applying structured methodologies such as Agile to creative or operational workflows to improve efficiency.
• Scalability thinking: Experience building operational models effective for a single high-profile title or an entire publishing list.
• AI & automation integration: Experience identifying and implementing AI or other tools for scheduling visibility, automated notifications or data forecasting.
• Stakeholder diplomacy: Ability to balance creative vision with commercial requirements while keeping alignment.
• Consultative leadership: Experience providing clear direction to diverse stakeholders and uniting cross-functional teams.
• Industry knowledge: Demonstrated passion for books and the publishing industry, especially Pan Macmillan’s list.
• Inclusion and representation: Commitment to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices in the workplace and publishing.
• Community: Collaborative approach to building a supportive and vibrant environment.
• Curiosity: Drive for learning and openness to different perspectives.
• Integrity: Openness and accountability for actions and learning from mistakes.

• Industry background: Experience transforming workflows within a creative or publishing setting.
• Familiarity with publishing systems: Knowledge of publishing management systems (e.g., Biblio) is advantageous.

We offer a range of projects, a supportive and collaborative working environment, and a competitive salary…