Production Lead

Job Title: Production Lead - Digital Printing & Procurement. 

About Pearson

At Pearson, we combine world-class educational content and assessment with cutting-edge technology and services to deliver personalized, effective learning experiences at scale. We're driven by our mission to create a world that's always learning—where people and ideas flourish. From transforming lectures into dynamic experiences to converting textbooks into interactive digital lessons, we continuously reimagine how people learn best.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Purchase Requisition Management

• Record detailed ISBN information for R&P approval and maintain accurate tracking.
• Monitor approval progress and coordinate follow-ups with internal stakeholders.

2. Costing and Vendor Order Processing

• Review and validate all parameters for before processing.
• Verify GM% calculations for all required titles.
• Convert Purchase Requisitions (PR) into Purchase Orders (PO) upon confirmation of specifications from the printer.

3. Print Production Support

• Coordinate with the PAM and Design teams to arrange text and cover files.
• Manage soft data collection for digital platforms (e.g., QR, Amazon, E-Lib, My Insight).
• Oversee approval of text and cover files before production.

4. Paper Projection and Consumption Analysis

• Conduct quarterly reviews of paper projections and pricing.
• Calculate quarterly paper requirements and compare actual consumption against projections.

5. Vendor Management

• Follow up with vendors for Digital POD titles to ensure timely deliveries.
• Arrange Delivery Challans (DC) and Goods Receipt Notes (GRN) for drop-ship titles.
• Generate and share invoices for digital title shipments with logistics partners.
• Conduct regular meetings with printers to review schedules and performance.

6. Rejacketing Projects

• Prepare Work Orders and coordinate movement of parent books to printers.
• Arrange all necessary inputs and advance copies.
• Manage delivery, warehouse coordination, and GRN entries in STO sub-inventory.

7. Quality Control and Complaint Resolution – Digital Printing

• Conduct QC of advance copies and paper GSM testing, when required.
• Perform press visits to oversee print quality.
• Update and maintain complaint trackers.
• Coordinate replacements and credit notes for defective copies.
• Review and document piracy checks on received samples.

8. Global Reporting and MIS

• Daily/Weekly/Monthly updation of data in Global Reporting MIS – Error free
• Investigate disputes using GRN and other reports, escalating to Tech or Finance teams as needed.
• Track and follow up on payment statuses with the IBM team.

9. Reporting and Audit Support

• Prepare and maintain key operational reports, including:
  • Work-in-Progress (WIP) report for active titles in production.
  • Open PO and Back Order reports.
  • QC Complaint Tracker and POD Dispatch reports.
  • Daily Inward Report.
• Support internal and external audit queries as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Diploma in Printing Technology with minimum 5 years of proven experience in Commercial Printing /Publishing or Print production coordination in reputed Indian or Multinational firms. Printing Press, Print Media or Publishing House preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of printing through third party or in-house with strong attention to detail, timelines and cost. Excellent Commercial acumen to ascertain UMC and communication, coordination, and follow-up skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Provides procurement, logistical and administrative support in the gambit of wide variety of goods and services.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications with any one major ERP software.