PUBLISHING FULFILLMENT MANAGER / UC PRESS / HYBRID

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Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Broadway Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California means being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

University of California Press has served as a bridge connecting the academic world and curious readers worldwide for over 125 years. We publish books and journals that shift paradigms in the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with a focus on social justice. Our work amplifies bold, diverse perspectives and inspires critical thought and action. We believe in the potential for scholarship to fundamentally change how people think, lead, and live.

University of California Press is one of the most forward-thinking scholarly publishers, committed to influencing public discourse and challenging the status quo. At a time of dramatic change for scholarship and publishing, we collaborate with faculty, librarians, authors, and students to stay ahead of today's knowledge demands and shape the future of publishing.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Publishing Fulfillment Manager at UC Press plays a critical role in managing relationships between internal book and journals teams, major retailers, and book and journal fulfillment vendors. This role is responsible for establishing vendor evaluation criteria, assessing vendor performance to drive continuous improvement, and ensuring client satisfaction while managing escalated issues. The Publishing Fulfillment Manager also serves as a key partner in change management, actively participating in cross-functional teams, conducting contract reviews, and leading RFP processes for fulfillment vendors. This position requires strong analytical skills, orientation to detail, and the ability to build and maintain vendor relationships. The Publishing Fulfillment Manager works extensively within databases and systems to resolve issues while maintaining a strategic mindset to enhance efficiencies and scale workflows. This individual collaborates closely with internal teams to align vendor strategies with business needs and acts as the primary liaison between vendors and internal stakeholders. Additionally, they conduct thorough reviews of client statements, including sales and inventory reports, to ensure data accuracy and consistency across internal and external reporting. As the primary point of contact for the sales and marketing teams, they also facilitate requests for sales and inventory reporting, ensuring seamless communication and data integrity. The Publishing Fulfillment Manager supervises an assistant and oversees their daily responsibilities.

Responsibilities

25% Vendor Management & Performance Oversight

• Working with the Director of Operations establishes and implements vendor evaluation criteria to assess performance and ensure continuous improvement.
• Monitor vendor performance, ensuring compliance with service agreements and operational KPIs. Develops systems and procedures to ensure and enhance overall quality.
• Manage escalated vendor issues and drive resolution to maintain service quality and efficiency.
• Resolve vendor-related and project-related business and technical issues, often dealing with unique issues / problems without precedent or structure.
• Conduct site visits of vendors to evaluate logistical and performance capabilities.

20% Operational & Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities to enhance fulfillment operations, recommend improvements, implement scalable workflows and process improvements.
• Serve as a key partner in change management initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency.
• Lead contract reviews and RFP processes for fulfillment vendors, ensuring optimal service agreements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to create custom reports and integrations to make processing data more streamlined and efficient.

35% Data Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct detailed reviews of client statements, including sales and inventory reporting, to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Work closely with internal teams to reconcile discrepancies in sales and inventory data.
• Act as the primary liaison for the sales and marketing teams, facilitating requests for sales and inventory reports.

20% Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with internal teams, including operations, sales, accounting, and marketing, to align vendor strategies with business needs.
• Serve as the main point of contact between UC Press and fulfillment vendors, ensuring seamless communication and issue resolution.
• Support internal teams by providing insights and recommendations based on fulfillment performance data.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of vendor management experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years of working with publishing vendors and/or retailers preferred.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of publishing vendor management and fulfillment operations, including evaluation criteria, performance monitoring, and process improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to research, interpret, and synthesize data from multiple sources to ensure accurate reporting and decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to vendors, internal teams, and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong vendor and stakeholder relationships, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Customer service-oriented mindset, demonstrating a proactive and solution-driven approach to addressing challenges and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities, contract reviews, and process improvements in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in office and web-based applications, including databases, reporting tools, and fulfillment-related systems to track sales, inventory, and vendor performance.
• Experience with RFP processes and contract negotiations, ensuring optimal service agreements and vendor partnerships.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and adapt to change, serving as a key partner in change management and operational efficiency initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training required.

Travel Requirements

• 5% Travel to vendor sites as appropriate to meet with vendors and see facilities

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to live in California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA at least two days per week (currently Wednesday and Thursday).

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Vendor Relations Specialist 3
Job Code: 005674
Salary Grade: Grade 22
Payscale: $100,000 - $115,000 annual, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is March 28, 2025. If needed, add: The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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