Sr Associate Publishing Production

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers. The Opportunity: The Senior Associate, Publishing Production is responsible for supporting the successful execution of the production process of a portfolio of complex publishing projects from manuscript through manufacturing and final delivery. This role, in close collaboration with the Sr Manager, supports the production planning, vendor management, scheduling, quality, and cost while serving as a key partner to Editorial, Design, Creative, Inventory Planning, Sales, Finance, Licensing, and external manufacturing partners. The Senior Associate, Publishing Production proactively identifies and resolves production risks, provides recommendations, and partners with the Sr Manager and cross-functional stakeholders to resolve issues and drive efficient execution through continuous process improvement. This position plays a critical role in ensuring Mattel Publishing products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. What Your Impact Will Be: Duties for this role include but are not limited to: Coordinate production activities for assigned publishing titles, ensuring projects remain on schedule, within budget, and meet established quality standards. Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed production schedules, proactively identifying risks and suggest mitigation plans to ensure key milestones are achieved. Collaborate in the production planning for assigned titles, reviewing specifications, estimates, manufacturing methods, and production timelines for accuracy and feasibility. Troubleshoot production challenges include printer delays, file issues, specification conflicts, manufacturing defects, and schedule changes while driving timely resolution. Serve as a key a key production liaison between Editorial, Design, Creative, Inventory Planning, Sales, Finance, Licensing, and external manufacturing partners. Review production estimates, specifications, proofs, color targets, manufacturing samples, and provide recommendations to final production plans. Maintain relationships and day-to-day communication with domestic and international printers, prepress vendors, binders, and component suppliers, negotiating schedules and escalating issues as needed. Evaluate and communicate the impact of specification changes, schedule revisions, and manufacturing decisions on cost, quality, and delivery timelines. Monitor title portfolios for schedule adherence, production risks, quality concerns, and cost variances, providing recommendations and escalation when appropriate. Support department leadership on titles requiring additional production oversight or experiencing schedule or manufacturing challenges. Analyze and provide input to production standards, manufacturing specifications, quality requirements, and publishing workflows to ensure consistency across all projects. Provide production analysis and recommendations to support leadership decision-making on production estimates, manufacturing costs, and budget planning for assigned title portfolios. Attend and participate in recurring production status meetings, cross-functional planning sessions, and vendor reviews to ensure alignment across stakeholders. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve workflows, documentation, reporting, quality assurance, and production efficiency. Maintain accurate production records, schedules, manufacturing documentation, and project data within publishing systems to support reporting, compliance, and efficient execution. Support special publishing initiatives, process improvements, and strategic projects as assigned needed. What We’re Looking For: Preferred Qualifications Experience in children's, trade, licensed, or consumer products publishing. Knowledge of global manufacturing, import logistics, and international print sourcing. Experience managing print budgets, forecasting production costs, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS), manufacturing standards, and continuous process improvement methodologies. Working knowledge of title management, ERP, or project management systems (Smartsheet, or similar). Knowledge of sustainability initiatives, FSC-certified paper, and publishing compliance standards is preferred. Competencies Project Management: Effectively manages multiple complex projects, balancing priorities, timelines, budgets, and quality expectations. Problem Solving: Identifies risks early, evaluates options, and implements practical, timely solutions to production challenges. Decision Making: Exercises sound judgment when prioritizing work, resolving issues, and making production-related recommendations. Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders, vendors, and leadership across all levels of the organization. Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure alignment and successful execution of publishing initiatives. Vendor Management: Develops productive relationships with manufacturing partners while holding vendors accountable for quality, schedule, and performance. Business Acumen: Understands the financial and operational impact of production decisions and balances cost, quality, and delivery objectives. Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of accuracy in schedules, specifications, estimates, and production documentation. Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities, shifting production demands, and evolving business needs. Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows, improve processes, and enhance operational efficiency. *The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here! How We Work: We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors: We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower. We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking. We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results. Our Approach to Flexible Work: This role is an in-office role Monday-Thursday, and work from home on Fridays. We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter. Who We Are: Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more. Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers . Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. Videos to watch: The Culture at Mattel Corporate Philanthropy