The Production & Distribution Executive SE Asia is based in Hong Kong and reports to the Production & Distribution Manager, Asia Pacific.  Primarily he/she will be responsible for the daily print order and distribution requirements of the FT using PALMS and Archimedes software, liasing with FT’s printers, freight agents and distributors in ensuring the paper is delivered in a timely and cost efficient manner

Main Job Duties

Production

• Liase with print sites with any instructions or requirements
• Monitor production start and end times

Print Order

• Train to use proficiently the PALMS print order system
• Uplift Subscription copy numbers into PALMS from Archimedes
• Complete daily print order and email to print sites before 3:00pm
• Handle any special print order requirements before end of business day and fax changes to the relevant distributors
• Advanced print order estimates for cold section printing and supplying to relevant print site(s)
• Advise advertising and marketing of special supplement printing schedule. Collate requirements for extra copies and incorporate into daily print order.
• For extraordinary requests such as ground breaking news you may be required to co-ordinate the changes with print sites and all distributors up to press time at 5:00am

 Distribution

• Notify distributors’ of the next day delivery numbers
• Notify freight agents of copy numbers and weight
• Maintain key relationships with freight agents, distributors and hand delivery agents.  Ideally we need to converse with main agents at least twice per week and secondary agents at least every 2-4 weeks
• Ensure delivery is completed in a timely manner on a daily basis

 Newsstand

• Set-up a file of major retail outlets in Hong Kong
• Set-up a schedule where you meet with the above on a rotation basis, note down names of front line sales staff, take photographs and write call reports
• Monitor sales of outlets and rearrange draw as and when required
• Identify POS opportunities for signage and plastic bags
• Identify and make small gift premium items such as pens, key chains, etc as give-aways

 Reports and Invoices

• Check print invoices on a monthly basis
• Invoice bulk and newsstand accounts on a monthly basis including credit notes for returns
• The following reports need to be provided on a weekly basis unless specified:
• Complete daily distribution report
• Newsstand sales report
• Printing and distribution delays
• Monthly circulation figures

Miscellaneous

• Quarterly audit of masthead returns on unsold copies
• Route codes need to be applied to customer delivery records
• Continue developing PALMS system with the developers and putting in requests and amendments to features
• Meeting – You should schedule a meeting every week with your colleagues and also a meeting with your supervisor so that things can be planned in advance and solutions found to any problems

Requirements

• Able to work independently, willingness to learn and strike for improvement, detail-minded with strong sense of responsibility
• Excellent communication skills to manage a high number of stakeholders
• Intermediate to advanced level in MS Office such as Words and Excel
• Good command of written and spoken Chinese and English. 

In return, we'll give you.....

• A competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• An office in the heart of Hong Kong commercial area
• Excellent benefits packing, including:
• 20 days annual leave
• MPF (FT will match your contribution up to a maximum of 7.5% subject to company’s terms and conditions)
• Medical (extend to spouse and children)
• Life assurance up to 2 x annual salary

The Financial Times is committed to equality of opportunity. We are determined to create a diverse group at all levels of our company -- and we welcome all members of the community we serve to apply for our openings.