Marquand Books, a publisher of fine art books and exhibition catalogues for almost 40 years, and our in-house pre-press company, I/O Color, are hiring a Head of Production to provide strategic and operational oversight for our production teams. This newly designed and pivotal leadership role requires a strategic thinker with a keen eye for detail and a proven track record of delivering high-quality publications on time and within budget. This position will manage a team of five production staff and oversee production, management, and communication for 60+ diverse publications per year. The Head of Production reports to the President + Creative Director and supports production operations and administration of both Marquand Books and I/O Color, during a time of exciting new growth.
This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $81,000 – $92,000 annually, depending on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement matching, iPhone, bus pass, extensive paid holiday and vacation days, and a flexible work environment. This job is based in Seattle, WA, and requires three on-site days per week. Moderate relocation benefits and flexible / hybrid start dates are possible.
· Production Oversight: Supervise the Production team and work with our Editorial and Design teams to manage production workflow, from quoting to final book delivery, including scheduling, budgeting, pre-press, quality control, shipping and logistics, and client and vendor management for both Marquand Books and I/O Color.
· Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of production professionals by fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment, empowering members to make independent decisions and maintain accountability. Manage with respect, empathy, and self-awareness. Lead the team by example, establishing workload and procedures, delegating responsibility, and providing guidance and direction.
· Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with printers, binders, paper suppliers, and other vendors to negotiate favorable terms and ensure timely delivery for both companies.
· Client Management: Participate in sales calls, prepare client quotes and proposals, and determine best production workflow for new projects; maintain client relationships.
· Budgeting and Cost Control: Develop and manage production budgets, monitor expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities for both Marquand Books and I/O Color.
· Quality Assurance: Implement rigorous quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of production for both companies.
· Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve production challenges proactively, minimizing disruptions to the publishing schedule.
· Communication: Effectively communicate with team members, authors, editors, designers, and other stakeholders to keep projects on track and to quickly raise and address any issues.
· Bachelor's degree in publishing, graphic design, art history, English, or a related field.
· Minimum of 5+ years of experience in pre-press and book production, with a strong understanding of the entire production process. Experience on press, with color correction, and with shipping & logistics/importation regulations and processes a plus.
· Proven leadership skills, including the ability to manage and motivate teams.
· Strong project management skills, including prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and working under pressure. Experience with Project Management software and tools a plus.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
· Willingness to travel on-press when necessary
· Proficiency in industry-standard software, such as Adobe InDesign, Acrobat, and Excel.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for any minimum qualifications. If you are a highly motivated and experienced production professional with a passion for books and other printed materials, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter here.
Please apply by November 28th. The job will be posted until filled.
Posted 11/1/24