Job Title: Commissioning Editor

Location: London or Madrid - Hybrid working model  

Applications Deadline: 19th October

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.

About The Brand 

Macmillan Education provides world-class content in the most relevant, engaging and flexible formats to support students, teachers and institutions in lifelong learning.

Visit macmillaneducation.com and follow @MacmillanEducation / @MacmillanELT

About the Role 

As Commissioning Editor, you will research, commission and oversee the development of appropriate, quality print and digital ELT content from concept development through to handover to Delivery as specified in the Publishing Plan. 

The role involves commissioning authors and contributors, and working closely with the Global Market Research team, key local markets, and Global and Local Brand teams to support the development of strong concepts that showcase the Customer Value Proposition. You will work with the in-house cross-functional or freelance team or Outsourced Service Providers (packagers) to brief and oversee the development of quality material that meets the needs of the key markets and is produced on schedule and within budget. Through a matrix management structure, you will mentor the (Senior) Development Editors assigned to their projects.

Using high levels of understanding of ELT products and markets, you will work with the Publisher and Senior Commissioning Editor to ensure that a profitable business plan is delivered, and research and develop new publishing solutions in conjunction with the Global Content and Methodologies team.

Reporting to the Portfolio Senior Commissioning Editor, you will champion their projects and collaborate with the Content Development team, the Global Content and Methodologies team, Publishing Operations, Sales and Marketing, Digital Product and Procurement stakeholders to ensure that projects meet the needs of the key audience.

This role is offered on a permanent basis and can be based in our London or Madrid offices on a hybrid working model. 

Role responsibilities:   

Segment strategy and publishing planning - Business Insights & Market Intelligence

• Attend market-specific product feedback meetings and maintain awareness of company strategy and market changes to support development of the (sub) segment
• Support the analysis of competition strategy for the (sub) segment

Concept development - Global Perspective, Creating & Innovating

• Carry out school visits and observations to inform concept development and product differentiation in line with the publishing plan
• Carry out desk research into own and competition products for the (sub) segment
• Work with stakeholders to develop samples for agreed components and identify authors/contributors, and evaluate proposals for quality
• Contribute to Business cases work with the cross-functional team to develop the project scope and support project costing for packaged and hybrid projects 

Content development - Editorial skills, Project Management, Balancing Stakeholders

• Work with relevant stakeholders to schedule projects and support project planning effectively
• Commission and brief authors and contributors for the development of material which delivers on the CVP
• Lead the Content Development team to evaluate and develop material written by authors and contributors, overseeing or providing detailed, constructive feedback to ensure content meets the project specification and the quality expectations of the course.     
• Brief internal and external content developers and packagers on project specification, tasks, schedules and ways of working and support the Content Development team to brief print and digital ancillary component ensuring concept is upheld
• Ensure and maintain high quality author and contributor care 
• Oversee the work of external developers and packagers as necessary, ensuring quality expectations are met
• Collaborate across portfolios with Publishers and (S)CEs to help identify opportunities for content reuse and co-creation and be mindful of the potential for re-use when developing new material
• Administer contracts for authors and contributors and external editors and suppliers 
• Understand segment digital requirements and support the development of digital products ensuring they fulfil the needs of the segment and concept 

Budget/Financial/Resource Responsibility - Analysis, Publishing Workflows & Systems

• Understand the Investment Approval process and demonstrate awareness of the cost and schedule implications of all publishing processes
• Work with the Senior Commissioning Editor to plan external resource for timely delivery in line with the budget
• Understand budget phasing and propose solutions to avoid over- and underspend when required

Staff Management - Leading & Supervising, Communicates Effectively

• Support the continuous development of the (Senior) Development Editors through a matrix management structure and delegate appropriately to the Content Development team, maintaining awareness of well-being and DEI issues relevant to staff

Personal development

• Keep up to date on ELT/EFL issues, undertake background reading and attending conferences as appropriate. 
• Use and develop existing skills and participate in in-house/external training sessions. 
• Maintain and expand network of industry contacts to support publications.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:   

Essential

• Knowledge of ELT markets, especially the Pre-Primary & Primary segments in Spain 

• Demonstrable ELT publishing experience at project leadership level, with a proven track record of successful ELT/EFL product development 
• Solid experience in English language teaching and an appreciation for a wide international range of teaching and learning situations 

• Excellent written English 

• An ability to work to tight deadlines and to manage numerous tasks 

• Understanding of publishing technologies and flexibility to learn new systems 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• A working understanding of content management systems 

• A positive attitude and commitment to aims of the company 

• Excellent team-working and organisational skills

• Experience of working with a range of new media  

Desirable

• Knowledge of a second language desirable 

To apply, please submit:

• a CV 
• A cover letter

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion   

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/

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