Mgr, Production (Audio)

Overview:

HarperAudio is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Production Manager to join our innovative audiobook production team. With a commitment to producing high-quality audiobooks across a diverse catalog, HarperAudio continues to set standards for excellence in the industry. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in audiobook production, an eye for detail, and a collaborative spirit to manage projects from pre-production through distribution.

At HarperCollins, we strive to publish works that represent a wide range of voices, experiences, and perspectives. We’re looking for a Production Manager who shares our commitment to diversity, quality, and innovation to help HarperAudio produce outstanding audiobooks for a diverse audience. This is a fully remote position, based in the United States.

• Oversee Production Quality: Ensure that all audiobooks meet HarperAudio’s rigorous production standards, emphasizing consistent narrator performance and sound quality. Maintain accuracy in chapter-level metadata and uphold creative integrity across projects.
• Coordinate Production Workflow: Manage production timelines from pre-production through distribution for titles across selected imprints and genres. Collaborate with producers, editors, and external partners to ensure all projects meet scheduling and quality benchmarks.
• Pre-Production Support: Provide support during pre-production, including pronunciation research and recording preparation, to enhance authenticity and accuracy in narration.
• Audio Proofing & Editing: Oversee the proofing and editing process, ensuring each title adheres to technical and creative standards. Occasionally assist with audio engineering, editing, and mastering when necessary.
• Metadata & Distribution: Prepare, edit, and validate audio table of contents and metadata for distribution.
• Studio & Vendor Coordination: Evaluate new recording studios and production partners as needed, providing technical guidance to ensure alignment with HarperAudio’s quality expectations.
• Backlist Management: Support catalog upkeep by remastering, digitizing, and cataloging backlist titles on demand, maintaining high standards for legacy content.

• Relevant Experience: 4+ years in audiobook production, particularly with high-volume projects or experience in a publishing environment. Familiarity with audiobook production standards and workflows is beneficial.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with project management tools such as AirTable (or similar), along with advanced knowledge of audio software including Reaper, Izotope RX, Descript, and Pozotron.
• Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities, attention to detail, and strong multitasking capabilities. Effective communication skills are essential for fostering successful relationships with both internal teams and external vendors.
• Problem Solving: Able to navigate competing deadlines and address production challenges independently, with a creative and proactive approach to solutions.
• Adaptability: Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving production environment, open to adopting new technologies, and committed to continual improvement of production workflows.
• College degree or relevant experience preferred.

HarperCollins Publishers is a company full of people who are passionate about books.  When you apply for a position, we want to know why you want to work here, and why you are interested in the job. That’s why cover letters are strongly preferred.

The salary for this position is $65,000-$70,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.  

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.     

HarperCollins Publishers is an equal opportunity employer.