Sr. Production Director

Overview

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Production Director to play a key leadership role within our production function. Reporting to the VP, Production, this role combines strategic leadership with hands-on expertise across print production, supplier management, scheduling, quality control, and cost optimization.

This position plays a central role in delivering high-quality products on time and within budget, while fostering a high-performing, collaborative team environment. The Senior Production Director will support team development, help shape production strategy, drive continuous improvement, and ensure operational excellence across the publishing program.

Occasional international travel is required in this role. Current estimates are 3 - 4 times a year with typical trips lasting up to a week.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious production professional looking to operate at a senior level at a globally recognized industry leading publishing group.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• 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

Production & Schedule Management

• 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

Vendor Management

• 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

Quality Control

• 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

Cost Control & Financial Management

• 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

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• 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

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong cross-functional relationships with editorial, design, sales, inventory, and finance teams

• Act as a trusted production partner across publishing divisions

• Support leadership reporting and communication of production updates

Sustainability

• Champion sustainability initiatives within production operations

• Promote responsible sourcing, carbon reduction, and ethical manufacturing practices

• Ensure supplier compliance with environmental and ethical standards

Qualifications

Experience

• 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

Education

• College degree or equivalent work experience required.

Industry Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of the print manufacturing processes, book specifications, paper, materials, and supply chain.

• Experience working with both domestic and overseas vendors.

Skills

• Strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting and cost control

• Excellent project management and organizational skills

• Strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively across departments and with external partners

• Advanced proficiency in Excel for reporting and analysis

Personal Attributes

• Strong, confident leader who develops high-performing teams

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail

• Proactive, resilient, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

• Effective negotiator

• Passionate about publishing and production excellence

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an equal opportunity employer.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at [email protected]. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.

Job Locations US-MI-Grand Rapids

Category Production