About the company:

Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is 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, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, 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.

About the role:

Reporting to the Senior Production Controller, the apprentice will provide support to the S&S UK’s Children’s Colour Production team (picture books and novelties). The Production Assistant apprentice will work alongside the Childrens Colour Production team on a wide range of books across the children’s colour division to deliver an exceptional purchasing and product management service in support of Simon & Schuster UK business objectives.

You will gain an understanding of the business objectives and will also have the opportunity to learn from other areas of the business.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Main Responsibilities:

Accurate administration and record keeping

To be responsible for processing invoices accurately and processed in line with the purchase orders on Navision.
To be responsible for all general administration, record keeping and filed according to department protocol.

Participation and collaboration with all departments across the business

Pro-active communication with the publishing teams to achieve an agreed best result by joining and reporting to fortnightly Children’s Production meeting, keeping reports for this meeting up to date, working closely with Design and Editorial depts on reprints/reissues.
Pro-active communication with the rights department to ensure external expectations are managed and that a best result is achieved within a realistic time frame by joining and reporting to fortnightly Rights catch up meeting, keeping report for this meeting up to-date, maintaining regular daily contact with Rights Coordinator.
Pro-active communication with the people who support and guidance to product development and delivery. Keeping Sales and Stock Control up to-date on deliveries and schedules, passing on shipping docs to AP.

Participation in project work and initiatives as agreed with your line manager

To look for opportunities to apply knowledge and share understanding with the broader business by being involved in book shop visits to be arranged and reporting back on, involvement in mini presentations to be arranged to other areas of business, involvement in product development sessions through visits to printer ‘show and tells’.
To be an active participant in those initiatives and which come down the line from the Director and or Manager. tasked with mini projects to be decided, eg analysing costing on particular titles, comparing paper specs on PREPS, analysing proofing costs.
Contribution and adherence to tactical decisions made by the Director in support of the business and implementing and using price scales for set S&S standard formats, following shipping criteria.

Pro-active communication with your line manager

Pro-active communication with your line manager and where appropriate the Department Head and Production Director to keep them informed of relevant aspects of your workload ensuring immediate escalation of exceptions by weekly 1-2-1 with line manager, joining regular team meeting, joining regular dept meeting.
To be responsible for regularly reporting on successful negotiations and cost savings.
To be responsible for regular reporting of supplier problems and or issues.
To be responsible for appropriate reporting of issues arising between departments.

Skills:

The Production Assistant Apprentice will be highly efficient, adept at prioritising and working to deadlines, and have a meticulous eye for detail. They will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. They will have problem-solving abilities and a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.

Experience

Previous experience in publishing is not necessary, but a genuine love of books and the ability to read broadly is essential. A basic understanding of or interest in the publishing industry would be welcomed.

Qualifications and Knowledge

A strong grasp of grammar and communication skills is essential.

Entry Requirements:

You’ll need to attend an online interview with our Talent Team and pass initial assessments in maths and English once you have completed your registration.
You will need to be within an hours commute to the office location listed at the time of your application.

About the apprenticeship programme:

LDN Publishing Apprentices provide support at every stage of the publishing process. The course covers the entire publishing journey, from the conception of a book, digital product, journal or other product, through to production, sales, marketing and publicity processes.

Publishing Professional Apprentices provide support for specific areas across all key parts of the publishing process from the conception of book, digital product, journal or other product (such as educational resources), through to the production, in a variety of paper and digital formats, and then to support the sales, marketing and publicity processes.

Publishing Professionals will usually be involved with aspects of publishing which include editorial, marketing, sales, publicity, production, rights or digital. They will have an awareness or skills which stretch across the publishing process, particularly in smaller organisations.

They will typically report to an Editorial Manager and are involved with editing, proofreading and briefing external stakeholders about their work and the work of colleagues.

Additional Benefits include:

Access to LDN's Apprentice Community
LDN Personal Development Opportunities
LDN Social Events
LDN Apprentice of the Month Prizes
Excellent Career Progression
Access to Student Discount

Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: £23,933.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee mentoring programme

Flexible language requirement:

English not required

Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

London, WC1X 8HB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: SandS002
Expected start date: 17/03/2025

Simon & Schuster

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Publishing Professional (Production) Apprentice