Flex Producer

We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Senior Associate, Publishing Production is responsible for supporting the successful execution of the production process of a portfolio of complex publishing projects from manuscript through manufacturing and final delivery. This role, in close collaboration with the Sr Manager, supports the production planning, vendor management, scheduling, quality, and cost while serving as a key partner to Editorial, Design, Creative, Inventory Planning, Sales, Finance, Licensing, and external manufacturing partners. The Senior Associate, Publishing Production proactively identifies and resolves production risks, provides recommendations, and partners with the Sr Manager and cross-functional stakeholders to resolve issues and drive efficient execution through continuous process improvement. This position plays a critical role in ensuring Mattel Publishing products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

Coordinate production activities for assigned publishing titles, ensuring projects remain on schedule, within budget, and meet established quality standards.

Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed production schedules, proactively identifying risks and suggest mitigation plans to ensure key milestones are achieved.

Collaborate in the production planning for assigned titles, reviewing specifications, estimates, manufacturing methods, and production timelines for accuracy and feasibility.

Serve as a key a key production liaison between Editorial, Design, Creative, Inventory Planning, Sales, Finance, Licensing, and external manufacturing partners.

Maintain relationships and day-to-day communication with domestic and international printers, prepress vendors, binders, and component suppliers, negotiating schedules and escalating issues as needed.

Evaluate and communicate the impact of specification changes, schedule revisions, and manufacturing decisions on cost, quality, and delivery timelines.

Monitor title portfolios for schedule adherence, production risks, quality concerns, and cost variances, providing recommendations and escalation when appropriate.

Analyze and provide input to production standards, manufacturing specifications, quality requirements, and publishing workflows to ensure consistency across all projects.

Provide production analysis and recommendations to support leadership decision-making on production estimates, manufacturing costs, and budget planning for assigned title portfolios.

Attend and participate in recurring production status meetings, cross-functional planning sessions, and vendor reviews to ensure alignment across stakeholders.

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve workflows, documentation, reporting, quality assurance, and production efficiency.

Maintain accurate production records, schedules, manufacturing documentation, and project data within publishing systems to support reporting, compliance, and efficient execution.

Support special publishing initiatives, process improvements, and strategic projects as assigned needed.

Experience in children's, trade, licensed, or consumer products publishing.

Knowledge of global manufacturing, import logistics, and international print sourcing.

Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS), manufacturing standards, and continuous process improvement methodologies.

Working knowledge of title management, ERP, or project management systems (Smartsheet, or similar).

Project Management: Effectively manages multiple complex projects, balancing priorities, timelines, budgets, and quality expectations.

Identifies risks early, evaluates options, and implements practical, timely solutions to production challenges.

Builds strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure alignment and successful execution of publishing initiatives.

Vendor Management: Develops productive relationships with manufacturing partners while holding vendors accountable for quality, schedule, and performance.

Business Acumen: Understands the financial and operational impact of production decisions and balances cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

Responds effectively to changing priorities, shifting production demands, and evolving business needs.

The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.

We are a performance-driven company. Our Approach to Flexible Work:

This role is an in-office role Monday-Thursday, and work from home on Fridays. We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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