Operations Associate

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We are an award-winning, independent, women-owned and run, children’s book publisher based in Concord, MA. Founded by two mothers in England in 1992, our mission is to open children’s hearts, minds and worlds through global stories and art. In 2017, we were named by Forbes as one of the 25 Best Small Companies in America and recognized as the standard for excellence in children’s books.

We are also a creative, passionate and driven team who love coming to work and making the best possible children’s books on the market, with a team of the best possible people.

This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week in our West Concord office, with flexibility for remote work on remaining days.

Reporting to the Publishing Operations Manager, the Operations Associate will work collaboratively across all teams to support our inventory management, demand planning and data management processes. You ll manage the full cycle of inventory forecasting, maintain critical data systems, and ensure accurate sales and production reporting while serving as a key liaison across departments.

Responsibilities also include database support, working directly with customers, communicating inventory and production changes to stakeholders, and creating and maintaining reports to support marketing and sales initiatives. This role also provides administrative support for contracts and royalty processing.

This role offers excellent opportunities for growth.

• Has 3+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in publishing, inventory management and/or database systems and data analysis;
• Is excited to take on a challenging role in inventory forecasting & planning;
• Gets excited about data and has exceptionally strong spreadsheet skills;
• Has an outstanding attention to detail, organizational and project management skills;
• Has the drive to self-start and resilience to problem-solve while working as part of a team;
• Is ambitious and is looking for a role with growth opportunities;
• Is experienced in using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs Suite and AI models;
• Physical ability to handle book inventory, and the ability to lift and move boxes of books weighing 25 lbs;
• Believes strongly in Barefoot s mission to open children s hearts, minds and worlds.

• A flexible, hybrid working culture, with 3 days in the office highly encouraged;
• A friendly, welcoming and inclusive working environment;
• Team gatherings, lunch and learns, and volunteer opportunities;
• A salary of $50-$55k per annum, commensurate with experience, with potential for profit sharing bonus;
• Personal medical and dental benefits;
• Participation in the company’s 401k plan;
• Paid holidays, sick and personal time off;
• Paid Winter Break between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day;
• Opportunities for growth and mentorship.

As a publisher whose core values focus on respect for the world’s diversity and opening doors to underrepresented voices within the publishing industry, we strongly encourage candidates of color to apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

To apply, please email your resume and covering letter explaining your interest in the position to

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Management and Manufacturing

• Book and Periodical Publishing