Managing Editor: Scholarly Books division

The ideal candidate:
 
Will have a background from both traditional publishing and other fields. The ideal candidate from a traditional publishing background will have 6-8 years in nonfiction trade publishing, with at least two years in an acquisition’s role, and a proven record of attracting and publishing commercially successful nonfiction. Previous supervisory experience is required. Candidates from outside traditional publishing should apply if they have a strong interest and equivalent experience in producing, editing, or developing content for a Scholarly audience, working with authors or literary agents, or other media.

Responsibilities:

• Acquiring, peer reviewing and editing of titles.
• Project management of each originated title from typescript delivery to press-ready files
• Overseeing editorial quality and house style of all books, including editorial checks and passing for press of all texts, covers, plates, endpapers, cases
• Supervise Editorial staff: (Scientific Editor(s), Production Editor(s) and Commissioning Editor(s))
• Management of monthly, quarterly, and annual publishing schedule and reports
• Management of and liaison with freelancers: copyeditors, proofreaders, typesetters, designers etc.
• Allocation and management of the yearly pre-press budget and forecasts 
• Liaising with editorial, production, marketing & publicity, sales, design and finance to ensure all departments are working together (for catalogues, bound proofs, cover briefing etc.)
• Optimising and improving existing editorial and publishing systems and processes
• Managing contracts with authors, book editors and higher education institutions. Negotiate and review of all contracts for titles of responsibility and manage them from signing to the payment process.
• Financial Management

• • Develop and manage individual book budgets and P & L statements in collaboration with the Production team and Finance department.
  • Compile, analyse and provide financial information to the Finance Manager such as unit costs, royalty advances, etc. for all titles
  • Participate in post-pub analysis
• Assist in developing marketing plans for acquired titles and plans for author development and branding, in collaboration with the marketing & publicity team

Skills and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 5 years of acquisitions experience with a proven track record of acquiring, managing and editing profitable titles.
• A proven Supervisory track record. 1-2 years of supervisory experience are required.
• A strong understanding of the Open Access market, a broad international outlook and an ability to anticipate trends.
• Digital and partnership development experience is a plus.
• A self-starter with entrepreneurial flair who thinks like an owner and is ready to roll up their sleeves and proactively identify new acquisitions and backlist opportunities
• Knowledge of book publishing processes and functions – Editorial, Managing Editorial, Production, Design, Copyediting and Marketing is preferred. Knowledge of scholarly peer-review will be beneficial
• The ability to manage multiple projects under pressure
• Meticulous organisational and time-management skills
• Flexibility to adapt to last-minute changes to books and schedules
• A forensic eye for editorial detail and an exceptional grasp of grammar, style and spelling
• The ability to apply structures and deadlines where necessary, as well as strong and constructive relationships with staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a comfort level with adapting to new technology
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to provide a high level of efficient support to authors, editors, and reviewers
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to delegate and motivate employees and volunteers

To apply, please send your CV to  
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive feedback within 48 hours, please accept your application as unsuccessful.

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