Job Description
Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
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.
Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
