Senior Production Director

Role Description

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, with current estimates of 3 – 4 times a year and 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.

Qualifications

• 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
• College degree or equivalent work experience required
• Deep knowledge of print manufacturing processes, book specifications, paper, materials, and supply chain
• Experience working with both domestic and overseas vendors
• 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
• 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

Requirements

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production professionals
• Set clear goals aligned with organizational priorities
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews
• Partner with the VP, Production to define and implement departmental strategy
• Oversee and maintain production schedules for assigned titles
• Lead or participate in weekly production meetings
• Collaborate with Inventory and suppliers to optimize lead times
• Build and manage strong relationships with print suppliers
• Define and uphold quality standards across all products and suppliers
• Develop cost-effective product specifications and manufacturing plans
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with editorial, design, sales, inventory, and finance teams
• Champion sustainability initiatives within production operations

Benefits

• Salary range: $120,000 – $150,000
• Comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package
• Variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits
• Elective benefits employees may select to best fit their needs