• Are you passionate about publishing, with an eye for detail and a drive to deliver high-quality print and digital content?
• Do you thrive in a dynamic environment, juggling multiple production tasks with precision, creativity, and a proactive mindset?
• Could you be our next Publishing Production Assistant, helping to bring books to life while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, design, and workflow?

Publishing Production Assistant
Up to £24,000
12 month Fixed Term Contact /Full Time
Futures Place, Stevenage

At the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a better place for our people. At the IET you’ll have more than just a job. Our work is exciting and challenging, connecting the people who solve the problems that matter. It means working with us has real meaning and impact, and you’ll grow - professionally and personally - in ways you never thought possible. We’re also making significant investments in our people, including providing a modern, vibrant workplace and embracing hybrid working.

What you’ll be doing

As a Publishing Production Assistant you’ll play a key role in supporting the smooth delivery of our book publishing programme, both print and digital, for Academic and Practitioner titles. You’ll be responsible for setting up titles in our systems, managing them through each stage of production, and ensuring everything meets our quality standards. From QA checks and accurate metadata recording to managing costs and updating our content systems, you’ll help keep the production wheels turning.

You'll work directly with tools like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, with Illustrator knowledge being a welcome bonus. You'll also use XML and content management systems (CMS) to prepare files for digital workflows. As part of the Production team, you'll collaborate to keep projects on schedule, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our production processes.

What we hope you can bring to the role

Ideally, you’ve got some prior experience in publishing or print production and a good working knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop (Illustrator knowledge is great, but not a dealbreaker). You’ll need to be detail-oriented, well-organised, and curious about how things work; we’re looking for someone who enjoys problem-solving and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and learn new systems or processes (like XML workflows or our CMS).

Additionally, you’ll be comfortable communicating clearly, collaborating with suppliers and colleagues, and keeping accurate records. Furthermore, a willingness to take initiative, a passion for publishing, and a keen eye for detail will help you succeed in this role.

Please note, this role is titled Production Assistant internally.

We’d love to get to know you

Is Imposter syndrome creeping in? Don’t worry - we’d rather hear from you this time than not hear from you at all! Read on for a little more information about the role; but also, keep in mind that we’re open to discussing flexible ways of working, including reduced hours and working in an agile way, supported by a hybrid working framework that allows you to find the best place to do your best work.

A little more about the role

• Set up and manage books through the production process, maintaining accurate metadata and tracking production costs.
• Use tools like InDesign to create book files and work with image content using our CMS.
• Ensure all books (print and digital) are delivered on schedule and meet our production standards.
• Work with the Books Production Manager and wider team to manage suppliers, source services, and maintain good working relationships.
• Identify and help implement improvements to production workflows for efficiency and quality.
• Provide general support to the production team and the wider Content Services and Operations teams.
• Maintain high standards of customer service (internal and external) and work collaboratively across departments.

A little more about what we’re looking for

• Some experience in a publishing or print production environment.
• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop; Illustrator a bonus.
• Basic understanding of XML in a publishing context.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow processes accurately.
• Good problem-solving skills and the confidence to work independently when needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
• Willingness to learn and a flexible, positive attitude.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and a willingness to learn new tools (e.g., CMS platforms, databases).

What if you could be you? The IET is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To find out more, head over to our 'Work for the IET’ site.

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