Production Assistant

The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. We deliver our information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences and electronic services. What ties us together is the objectivity of our opinion, the originality of our insight and our advocacy of economic and political freedom around the world.

We are searching for a Production Assistant to assist with the day to day running of the production of print editions of The Economist and The World In. The successful candidate will liaise with internal departments, communicate requirements to print and paper suppliers, prepare editorial and advertisement material for the publication and act as administrative support for the department. This role is a 6 month FTC.

How you will contribute 

• Written and verbal instructions to print sites for The Economist and The World In
• Preparation, checking and transmission of final editorial and advertising pages to remote print sites
• Trafficking of pages on press day, working closely with Editorial and Graphics Departments. A flexible approach to working hours is required on press day
• Weekly assessment of colour and print quality of worldwide issues of The Economist. Production of the monthly Quality Report
• Quality checking advertising content, copy chasing and processing PDF’s for print. Ensuring ad content and layout meet appropriate guidelines
• Processing of ad copy: assisting with classified planning, advertisement setting and proof reading, checking PDF dummy issues, communicating with sales teams on orders / booking related issues, updating and circulating page and issue data for financial analysis
• Providing general support for efficient issue planning and advertisement production as a key member of the Production team
• Control of administrative functions within the department
• Checking invoices for a regional edition of The Economist against contractual prices
• Evaluating quality output of print sites within set guidelines
• Ensuring advertising content meets the required standards

The desirable skills for this role include: 

• Previous work experience in a publishing environment 
• Basic understanding of the magazine production process 
• The ability to work quickly and accurately in Excel, Word. PowerPoint is an advantage
• Knowledge of all Mac based publishing systems would be an advantage (Adobe In-Design and Distiller, Enfocus Pitstop, Switch etc.) required for production of advertisement pages
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Proven ability to liaise with internal stakeholders & external customers inc. advertising agencies, print and paper suppliers
• A keen eye for numbers is important, as the position requires invoice approval and ability to interpret technical specifications
• An excellent eye for detail and the ability to work effectively in a busy team environment to tight deadlines