What was your favorite book when you were a kid, tween or teen? Did you love The Book Thief, Wonder or Everything, Everything? Did you devour the Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series? Has reading a children's or young adult book changed your life? If you enjoy working on a variety of one-color children’s and young adult book formats, softcover and casebound, this is the role for you.

The Corporate Bookmaking team at Penguin Random House is seeking a Production Associate to support the Random House Children’s Publishing Group and several of its imprints, including Bright Matters Books, Knopf, Delacorte, Labyrinth Road and Random House. This team works with iconic authors, such as Christopher Paolini, Holly Jackson, Philip Pullman and countless others. Reporting to the Production Manager, the Production Associate will manage their own list of softcover and casebound books through the complete production process, from cost estimating and release of files to warehouse delivery and archiving of final files.

The ideal Production Associate candidate will be ready on day one to join a fast-paced and collaborative team. They will work closely with colleagues in other departments within the division, particularly Editorial, Managing Editorial, and Art/Design. The role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, can handle multiple tasks at one time in a deadline-driven environment, and is interested in further developing and honing their skills in the craft of book making.

The Role:

• Consulting with Publishing group to develop the specifications for individual titles
• Cost estimating, including multiple options for a variety of book formats
• Entering and maintaining book specifications in SAP
• Creating book schedules and maintaining dates in our Bookmaking Control Center system
• Daily communication with both domestic and overseas suppliers
• Preflighting of text and component files in InDesign and Acrobat
• Releasing files to our composition, component and book vendors, trafficking and reviewing all proof passes
• Issuing prepress and manufacturing purchase orders and approving invoices
• Archiving of final print files

The Essentials:

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant book production experience or project management experience
• Knowledge of text composition, color correction, printing, binding, and special effects is a plus, but not required to succeed in this role
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to effectively solve problems
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills
• Proficient basic math skills to accurately complete book cost estimates
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with SAP, Box and Teams a plus

The salary for an associate is $56,000.  All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.

This position is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities, which include but are not limited to color-correcting proofs, reviewing samples, using Epson proofers, and in-office meetings. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes (NY, NJ, CT, & PA).

Please apply using our ATS system by December 4, 2025, and include your resume, cover letter, and design portfolio for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House we recommend you review our applicant resources page and look over our open to remote guidelines on our FAQs page.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

 Company: Penguin Random House LLC | Job ID: 284199