Simon & Schuster is seeking an Associate Director of Production and Manufacturing to support the adult publishing division.This role leads a team of production managers and works closely with senior leadership to oversee a broad frontlist manufacturing program, including one-, two-, and four-color hardcover and paperback originals and conversions.The Associate Director is responsible for all aspects of book manufacturing for the frontlist program, with a focus on operational efficiency, workflow consistency, staff development, vendor coordination, and risk mitigation. This role serves as a key liaison across internal departments and external vendors and requires strong communication, deep production expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex work at scale.
Responsibilities- Oversee manufacturing for Adult frontlist titles across assigned imprints.
- Lead, mentor, and develop staff.
- Partner with leadership on workload planning, title allocation, and departmental priorities.
- Monitor project timelines and ensure risks are identified, escalated, and mitigated as early as possible.
- Support new imprint launches and ensure operational readiness.
- Troubleshoot complex scheduling, manufacturing, vendor, and workflow issues.
- Guide the creation and maintenance of accurate title specifications in internal systems.
- Oversee purchase order issuance, cost tracking, and budget awareness across projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international vendors.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and reinforce best practices.
- Partner with internal stakeholders across Production, Demand Planning, Sales, and Operations to align on priorities and strategy.
- Support consistency of manufacturing practices across imprints and title types.
Requirements- 10+ years of book production or manufacturing experience, including experience with complex and illustrated titles.
- Proven experience leading, mentoring, or managing staff.
- Deep knowledge of book printing, binding, scheduling, costing, and manufacturing workflows.
- Experience managing domestic and international vendors.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to oversee multiple high-priority initiatives.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and title management systems preferred.
