Content Operations Manager- Book Production
Content Operations Manager - Book Production (Hybrid Work Model, Minneapolis, MN)
Content Operations | 1517 Media
1517 Media is a multimedia company comprised of five vital, creative imprints: Beaming Books, Fortress Press, Broadleaf Books, Augsburg Fortress, and Sparkhouse. We create resources for spiritual growth and development, for Christian worship and faith formation, and for academic study and professional development. 1517 Media strives to create an environment of inclusiveness, equity, and respect for all regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, nation of origin, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Individuals who are committed to contributing meaningfully to diversity and inclusion in publishing are encouraged to apply, including members of groups historically underrepresented in publishing (which is - according to industry research - traditionally white, straight, cisgender, and nondisabled field).
The Content Operations Manager ensures that 1517 Media's book content moves smoothly through the production pipeline to publication in print and digital formats, such that products are available to the market at the right time, cost, and quality.
To do so, the Content Operations Manager leads a team of Production Editors working across Fortress Press Books, Broadleaf Books, and Beaming Books; manages the performance of external prepress service providers; sets the production budget for each imprint and monitors variances; and collaborates with colleagues to support and lead cross-functional workflows, improvements, and initiatives. Alongside the Sr. Director of Content Operations, the Content Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that both internal and external stakeholders' needs around the 1517 Media Books production process are met, resulting in high satisfaction. The Content Operations Manager has key accountabilities in the areas of team performance, supplier/freelancer performance, budgeting, business continuity and communication, business process transformation, and ethical standards, as detailed below.
Team performance
- Carry out line management responsibilities, including appraisals, recruitment, and performance management, for a team of Production Editors, so that the team meets department and businesswide performance targets
- Train new starters and drive continuous professional development for the team
Supplier/freelancer performance
- Supervise prepress supplier performance (including third-party vendors and freelancers), building relationships, giving clear briefings, and providing guidance during the production process
- Support the Production Editors in doing the same
- Where performance discrepancies arise, conduct root cause analysis, and ensure that lessons are learned for future projects, so that products of appropriate quality are available for the market at the right time and cost
Budgeting
- Prepare annual production budgets for all Books imprints, with the support of the Sr. Director of Content Operations (direct spend of ~$800k)
- Ensure that spending decisions are continuously informed by the annual budget on an imprint and project level, and Identify opportunities to reduce production spend
- Identify and address variances, proposing adjustments such that the production budgets are balanced on a seasonal and annual basis
Business continuity and communication
- As required, communicate with project partners and internal/external stakeholders accurately, professionally, and in a timely manner, so that project status and Production team requirements are clear, expectations are managed in line with cost and schedule considerations, partners in the publication process are able to perform their duties effectively, and authors report a positive experience of working with the Production team
- Continuously improve Production team processes and documentation
- Create and deliver cross-department training to allow Production team needs to be met
- Cover critical responsibilities for the Sr. Director of Content Operations in their absence, so that business goals continue to be met during periods of vacation or illness
Ethical standards
- Actively uphold the ethical standards and behaviors expected by 1517 Media
- Support the Production team and third-party suppliers in doing the same
Required education
- BA or equivalent experience in a related field
- 3-5 years of experience managing production processes in a publishing environment
- Project management certification is desirable but not required
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Excellent knowledge of print and digital production processes and project management in a content-centric publishing environment
- Proven experience of managing external suppliers
- High degree of literacy, numeracy, and attention to detail
- Ability to lead a team, including proven coaching and/or training ability
- Proven experience of leading project work and/or process improvement
- Ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities and projects
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with basic financial statements and reporting
1517 Media offers a competitive salary and a full list of benefits, including vacation for new employees, sick time, health, retirement, a pre-tax transportation program, paid parental leave and no-cost gym access in the building. You will join a collaborative and creative hybrid work environment, with a talented group of 90 individuals who have a passion for their work. The beautiful, newly designed corporate headquarters is located near downtown Minneapolis with access to Light Rail and Metro Transit bus lines.