Production Manager - Publishing

Overview

The Production Manager oversees the end-to-end print production process for magazines and books, ensuring all materials are prepared and delivered on time to commercial printing partners. This role collaborates closely with editors, designers, and external clients to manage production timelines, integrate special design and print specifications, and resolve workflow issues. The Production Manager maintains graphic assets, provides non-editorial support to editorial staff, and offers occasional design assistance.

Additionally, this role manages vendor relationships, researches new printing technologies and vendors, and keeps stakeholders informed throughout the production cycle.

• Develops production timelines, milestone dates, and work break-down structures based on printer deadlines and desired distribution dates.
• Leads progress tracking across all production channels in coordination with the Creative Director and Editorial Manager.
• Schedules and facilitates weekly publications and book status meetings; coordinates Group Proofs.
• Analyzes and resolves production issues; proposes solutions for approval.
• Creates and maintains page templates for books, magazines, and other department publications.
• Assist with proofing and color checks.
• Prepares and uploads individual page PDFs for press pre-flight, ensuring accuracy and proper formatting.
• Monitors content changes throughout the production process.
• Serves as a primary liaison with commercial printers; manages RFPs for new books, reprints, and contracts.
• Attends press checks to ensure print quality, color accuracy, and content integrity.
• Generates print orders for each issue, ensuring accurate quantities and specifications.
• Transmits content and images for contract color proofing and ensures timely delivery of advertisements and inserts.
• Verifies mail labels and gathers mailing lists for printer transmittal.
• Acts as advertising representative for the department; coordinates with internal and external advertisers.
• Reviews advertiser files for correct format and specifications.
• Updates stakeholders and collaborators on production status and timelines.
• Audits magazine copy needs for departments and fulfills internal copy requests.
• Tracks, projects, and verifies costs related to printing, manufacturing, shipping, and postage.
• Processes invoices and submits budget projections for printing.
• Maintains book inventory in Quick Books and manages incoming book orders using Web TMA.
• Coordinates with vendors and internal teams on book purchasing and reprint quantities.
• Submits USPS Statement of Ownership and maintains monthly sales and financial reports.
• Provides non-editorial administrative support to editors and associates.
• Offers technical guidance on production tools and processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, experience, and training.
• Minimum 5+ years in a production related role.
• Previous experience managing and tracking budgets

• Experience with Workday
• Experience setting up templates and working with text in In Design

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Quick Books
• Problem-solving, team player, strong communicator

• Tracking the print production budget
• Tracking the book production budget (done through CERs)
• Tracks advertising revenues and book sale figures/inventory
• Print Production budget (roughly $450,000)
• Book Production budget (done through CERs and gift money, can be from $30,000-$80,000 projects)

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk to work on a computer
• Standing and walking occasionally
• Reaching with hands/arms occasionally
• Holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand(s) often
• Touching, picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers often
• Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs

Monday - Friday 9 am-5 pm