Head of Publishing Operations/Publishing Operations Manager
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Publishing Operations lead to head up our metadata and digital publishing function and to drive efficiency, consistency, and innovation across all publishing operations.
This is a pivotal, highly collaborative role working across editorial, production, sales, and finance to ensure publishing schedules are met, metadata is delivered to the highest standard, and systems and workflows continue to evolve to support a growing business.
If you thrive on change management, love data and systems, and enjoy leading and developing teams, this could be an exciting next step for you.
Quarto creates inspiring books for adults and children that are published and enjoyed across the world.
Contract
Permanent
Salary
Starting from £45,000
Closing date
17th April, 2025
Working hours
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 09.30 am to 5.30 pm. We currently operate a discretionary hybrid model, with three days in our London office and two working from home.
About the role
What you will be involved in:
- Acting as the decision‑making and planning lead for first print sign‑off, including publication date management
- Representing Publishing Operations at acquisitions meetings and overseeing schedule changes
- Owning and maintaining the central bibliographic database, ensuring timely, accurate system updates
- Ensuring changes are implemented clearly and communicated effectively to all key stakeholders
- Overseeing eBook and audio creation and distribution across global channels
- Tracking and reporting on metadata quality and critical‑path compliance
- Playing a key role in system development and process improvement to increase efficiency
- Working closely with teams across the business to support smooth, effective workflows
- Cross department collaboration to ensure smooth flowing workflows and processes.
About you
You will bring senior‑level experience in publishing operations, metadata, for illustrated book publishing, along with a proven ability to lead teams and drive change.
You’ll also be able to demonstrate:
- In‑depth knowledge of publishing systems and processes, including ONIX and Thema
- A track record of delivering high‑quality metadata at scale
- Experience managing and developing teams in line with business strategy
- Strong project and budget management skills
- Commercial awareness and confidence working with data
- Excellent communication skills, including training and stakeholder engagement
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across departments
What we can offer
A supportive, open environment with development opportunities, as well as the following benefits:
- 25 days paid holiday per year (increasing up to 30 days per year), plus bank holidays
- Cultural appreciation day (to honour a cultural holiday which is significant to you, separate to your holiday entitlement)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discounts on selected shops, retailers, and restaurants
- Health Cash Plan
- Pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Summer hours
- Free books scheme
- Active social and diversity committees
- Open plan, hot desking office environment
How to apply
Please send a CV and cover letter to talent@quarto.com by the closing date and state the vacancy name in the email subject title.
Ensure you cover the following:
- Your motivation and what appeals to you about this particular role
- What key skills, experience and achievements you have that you think are relevant to this role, and why. Please provide examples of how you have used or demonstrated those.
- Where you saw the vacancy advertised
All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for the vacancy.
We employ individuals based on their abilities and welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of disability, ethnic origin, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, belief, age, or sexual orientation.
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we aim to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for disabled people. Therefore, we encourage you to inform us of any reasonable adjustments you may require during your interview process. Please note, you only need to disclose information that you are comfortable sharing in order for us to accommodate your request.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to respond to candidates selected for interview. We will keep applications on file for 6 months should a suitable vacancy arise. If you’d rather we didn’t, please let us know with your application.
May close early due to a high volume of applications. Don't miss out—submit your application today!