Vice President, Book Production, Penguin Young Readers

Job Description

Vice President, Book Production, Penguin Young Readers

Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House, seeks a Vice President and well-versed expert in book production to lead their production team. Reporting to the EVP of Publishing Management, this pivotal role oversees a department staff of 20+ employees who produce more than 850 new titles annually and manage reprints for a backlist portfolio of more than 8,500 titles. Working in tandem with design, editorial, publishing, sales, inventory management, fulfillment, and transportation departments, this position is vital to the running of the business.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead the book production strategy and operations of Penguin Young Readers, home to beloved and engaging titles for every young reader, including picture books, board books, middle-grade fiction and nonfiction, young adult, teen, and New York Times best-sellers. Penguin Young Readers brings together award-winning authors and illustrators, such as Jan Brett, Tomie dePaola, Amanda Gorman, John Green, Matthew McConaughey, Ransom Riggs, and Reese Witherspoon; and world-famous brands, licenses, and best-selling series, such as The World of Eric Carle, Mad Libs, The Last Kids on Earth, Who HQ, Bluey, The Little Engine That Could, Corduroy and Winnie-the-Pooh.
Our ideal candidate is highly motivated, enjoys building effective working relationships and trust with internal and external stakeholders, has a deep technical knowledge and wide-ranging understanding of the overall business of children's book publishing, and is invested in bringing those books to a wide readership. We are looking for a candidate with the ability to multitask, who communicates clearly, is comfortable managing a hybrid workflow and workforce, and is an active leader of a collaborative team.

For consideration, please apply using our application tracking system and include your cover letter and resume.

The position of Vice President of Book Production at Penguin Young Readers is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities, which include but are not limited to in-office projects, vendor meetings, and staff support. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA).

The Role:
• BOOK PRODUCTION: Lead department producing every format of children's books (1/c and 4/color hardcover, softcover, board books, novelty products, brands, licensed products, special bindings, components, special effects, etc.); upholding the highest quality standards in color management and overall finished product
• LEGAL: Ensure vendors comply with all safety standards and certifications for children's products; conduct safety testing following protocols for children's book and book-plus product; ensure that licensed product is manufactured by vendors under codes of confidentiality and certified as such
• FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT: Responsible for manufacturing budgets with a US dollar spend range of $30 million in overseas work and $20 million in domestic work; budgeting and forecasting of print volumes; participating in contract negotiations with major print vendors and coordinating with PRH Global partners to maximize volume spend and savings opportunities; monitor cost of goods and analyze trends; manage staff salaries and general operating expenses for the department
• PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: Empower and motivate staff, maintaining a positive, forward-thinking environment; communicate company values; and lead by example

The Essentials:
• 15+ years of experience in children's book production, including extensive knowledge of all varieties of Children's books and novelty formats
• Excellent color management skills, overall paper knowledge, and press check and component printing experience
• 10+ years of managerial experience
• Solid working relationships with domestic and overseas vendors
• Flexibility with international meeting times and overseas and domestic travel
• Team player with internal colleagues across all departments
• Keen financial acumen
• Proficiency with Outlook, Teams, Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), File Maker Pro, SAP, Adobe Creative Suite, FTP and other file transfer protocols

The salary range for this position is $145,000-$160,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d8xqbk-18-219-40-177-42 in your application.