Production Controller, Licensing - DK Production

We are seeking a detail-oriented, commercially-minded Production Controller to support our growing DK+ list.

DK+ produces a diverse range of licensed books and branded products globally. Managing a portfolio focused on reprints, co-editions, and select frontlist titles, you will ensure products are delivered on time, to budget, and to required quality and safety standards.

As the team continues to develop new products with complex schedules, finishes and licensing requirements, this role will help ensure that reprints and ongoing production activity are managed efficiently and accurately. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Production Controller to broaden their skills and gain experience of working on licensed titles.

As a Production Controller, you will join a collaborative team with deep expertise in licensing and print production, with opportunities to work across other lists within the business too. Working closely with Production, Creative, Sales, Inventory, Production Editorial , and co-edition partners, you will ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality and safety standards.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator who can build strong relationships, negotiate to tight margins, and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for someone resilient who remains calm, focused, and clear-headed under pressure, with a supportive approach to sharing knowledge and assisting colleagues. You will understand the commercial significance of the role and enjoy the challenge of negotiating creatively to tight margins, in line with DK’s departmental strategy.

If you are a collaborative Production Controller who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in key details, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter. Applications reviewed as received.

Closing date: 18 October 2026

Salary: starting at £36,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

Responsibilities

Manage creation, costing, scheduling, and delivery for reprints, co-editions, and frontlist titles.; Assist with coordinating LEGO reprints, and brick ordering.; Maintain product safety technical files and act as an FSC Superuser.; Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues and hit deadlines.; Negotiate margins where possible, and maintain records in Biblio 3 and Google Workspace.

Requirements

Recent Production Controller experience in book publishing.; Solid understanding of mono and four colour print processes, cover finishes, printing technology, paper, binding styles and FSC materials.; Proven experience in Biblio 3 and Google Workspace.; Strong commercial acumen, relationship management, and negotiation.; Excellent organisation, communication, and problem-solving under pressure.

Nice to have

Previous experience managing product safety testing and maintaining safety technical files.; Experience working on co-editions.