Publishing Manager

Company Overview Kidsbooks is a privately held publisher specializing in high-quality fiction and non-fiction books for children. Known for incorporating fun as a learning tool, Kidsbooks creates educationally sound titles that cater to blue-chip retailers, schools, libraries, and special markets. With titles available at stores like Barnes & Noble, Costco, and TJ Maxx, the company publishes around 100 new books annually, complementing a vast backlist of over 500 timeless titles. Products include a variety of formats, such as softcover, hardcover, board, and lift-the-flap books. At Kidsbooks, we are passionate about fostering a love for learning through engaging content. Role Description: The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for overseeing the procurement of materials and services that are essential to the book production process. This includes all aspects of sourcing and purchasing printing services, as well as negotiating with vendors and managing supply chain relationships. The role also involves collaborating with various departments such as Production, Editorial, Marketing, and Finance to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest quality standards. Key Responsibilities: Vendor and Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with suppliers for printing, binding, paper, and freight forwarding.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with vendors to optimize costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure timely delivery and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Manage third-party quality inspections to ensure products meet company specifications and quality expectations.
• Coordinate and support factory audits to ensure suppliers meet company, regulatory, ethical, and compliance standards.
• Maintain the Production Report with all pertinent information
• Coordinate internal communications on the status of all works in progress
• Track project timelines and deliverables
• Liaise with cross-functional teams

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Forecast and purchase materials needed for print book production, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Develop, implement, and monitor purchasing strategies that align with the company’s goals and production schedules.
• Manage inventory levels, lead times, and reorder points to avoid supply shortages or overstocking.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure clear documentation throughout the procurement process.

Budget Management and Cost Control

• Work closely with Finance and Production teams to develop, monitor, and control budgets for book production projects.
• Evaluate cost-saving opportunities through alternative suppliers, materials, or production processes.
• Provide regular reports on purchasing performance, cost analysis, and risk assessments.
• Support financial forecasting through accurate cost projections and supplier pricing analysis.

Collaboration with Production and Editorial Teams

• Coordinate with Production and Editorial teams to understand project timelines, specifications, and material requirements.
• Coordinate customer approvals throughout the production process, including proofs and final outputs, to ensure specifications and expectations are met.
• Ensure materials meet established quality standards, including sustainability and environmental certifications.
• Provide insights on production costs during budgeting and project planning phases.

Market Research and Trend Analysis

• Stay up to date with trends in publishing materials, printing technologies, and supply chain innovations to maintain competitive purchasing strategies.
• Research and identify opportunities to adopt innovative production solutions, including sustainable publishing options.

Risk Management

• Identify risks within the supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, environmental, and company standards related to procurement and production materials.
• Oversee corrective action processes resulting from quality inspections or factory audits to maintain continuous improvement.

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