JOB VACANCY: Production & Office Assistant
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Batsford Books for a Production & Office Assistant.
Established in 1843, Batsford is one of the oldest independent trade publishers in the UK. For nearly two hundred years we have excelled in publishing beautiful, well-designed books that encourage and celebrate art, culture and creativity.
This entry-level position will play a key role in supporting the production team in the delivery of books, primarily working on reprints and backlist titles, assisting with documentation, proof checking, file management, and coordination with internal teams and external supplies (80% of time). This portion of the role reports to the Production Director.
The role also supports and reports to the Financial & Facilities Manager in providing support to the wider business through reception responsibilities, office management and property maintenance (20% of time).
The Production department at Batsford works across both Batsford and Scala imprints, fulfilling a vital role in effective cost management, margin control and supplier relationship management with printers in the UK, Europe and the Far East. A cool head, calm demeanour, eye for detail and comfort with multi-tasking and logistics will distinguish the successful candidate from all other applicants.
This entry-level position offers an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience in the publishing industry. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented team player who thrives in a dynamic and creative environment. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and confident in working independently while contributing to a collaborative team effort.
Production responsibilities
- Creating and managing production schedules for reprints and backlist titles
- Coordinating files, assets, and production documentation
- Archiving and maintaining organised digital production files
- Liaising with internal teams, printers, and shippers
- Checking proofs at key stages of the production process (as required)
- Managing own production inbox and responding to routine enquiries
- Updating weekly reprint and backlist reports
- Tracking deliveries and assisting with shipment coordination
- Providing general administrative and operational support to the production team
Office management responsibilities
- Shared reception duty with the Sales & Marketing Coordinator
- Advising staff on post and courier duties
- Organising property maintenance visits for gas safety, boiler servicing, emergency lights/fire alarm testing, pest control and others.
Deadline for applicants is 30 January 2026. Full time, working 3 days a week in the office.
Please send CV and covering letter to James Kellow at jkellow@batsfordbooks.com
