This is an exciting opportunity to join Bloomsbury’s successful academic design list as a Commissioning Editor.  Covering a wide range of design disciplines, the role will involve managing, developing and maintaining a strong publishing programme across topics in design and craft.  Books on the list cover publications from highly illustrated books for students through to scholarly monographs and reference titles, and the successful candidate will additionally manage key academic series on the list.

The role will report to the Publisher for Design, and will work closely with an Editorial Assistant and Senior Development Editor.  The design list sits within the Visual Arts team in the Academic Editorial division.

We are looking for a candidate who is a proactive self-motivator and can dive right in to the role. Previous experience of commissioning is an advantage.

The role

• Strategic List Management: gather market knowledge to identify priority areas and product types for development; work with authors and colleagues to deliver effective and timely publishing outcomes.  Oversee the entire publishing process from initial concept to final publication, and beyond

• Commissioning: research, commission and develop high-quality new books and book series for the Bloomsbury design and craft programme
• Digital product development: working with our Digital Resources division, develop content and new products for our digital resource, Bloomsbury Design Library
• Interdepartmental Liaison: work closely with Marketing, Sales, Production and Digital teams
• Analysis: monitor, review and analyse the performance of the list and look for gaps and opportunities
• Representation: attendance at conferences in the UK and internationally, campus visits and sales conferences, and be a strong ambassador for the list

Knowledge, skills and experience 

• An interest in and experience of studying and/or working in design and craft, or closely related disciplines
• Collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders
• Creative and commercial approach to list development, management and commissioning
• Strong analytic and financial skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally
• Competent user of publishing software systems
• Positive outlook, strong problem-solving, organisational and time management skills
• Meticulous attention to detail

Additional information

The role is a full-time permanent position

Salary Range: £30,750 – £41,750

The role is based at our London office 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP on a hybrid working pattern of 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred).  Allocated office days for this role are: Wednesday and Thursday

Please apply with a CV and covering letter addressed to Human Resources (Word or PDF format only) via the ‘APPLY NOW’ button detailing how you meet the requirements outlined above for this role by 30th November 2023.

Bloomsbury reserve the right to close the role early if we exceed the required number of applications

Bloomsbury Benefits

As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package:

Working Pattern

• hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred)

Holidays

• 25 days holiday
• 3.5 days Christmas company holiday

Other Benefits

• Two paid Personal Wellness Days
• Flexible Fridays – take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier in the week
• Season Ticket Loan
• Sharesave Scheme
• AXA Healthcare Plan (Private Medical Insurance)
• In-house Doctor
• Eyecare Voucher Scheme

Company culture – Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom (BAME), Accessibility, Mental Health, Pride, and Parents, Guardians and Carers) and 21 Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources

For additional benefits see below

Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please flag to the recruitment team if required

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

The Company

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Bloomsbury Publishing is a leading independent publishing house, established in 1986, with authors who have won the Nobel, Pulitzer and Booker Prizes, and is the originating publisher and custodian of the Harry Potter series. Bloomsbury has offices in London, New York, New Delhi, Oxford and Sydney. Within Bloomsbury’s Academic division, it publishes under Bloomsbury, as well as under a number of prestigious and historic imprint names. Read Our Story for how it all began. 

 Bloomsbury is committed to creating a working environment that stimulates creativity and collaboration, is respectful of difference, is inclusive and ethical in its practice, and promotes well-being. We are determined to nurture and develop our employees to reach their highest potential, and we know that our success is down to the passion, commitment and hard work of our talented people. We recognise the urgent need to attract and support applicants from all backgrounds and identities to become part of the global publishing industry, allowing diverse voices to reflect and shape our culture and society.

Please read more on our Missions and Values here.

Please read our environmental policy here.