Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development)

Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development)

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Working from home possible
Informa Connect

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Commission high-quality articles and drive innovative content strategies for leading academic journals.
  • Company: Join Taylor & Francis, a top-tier academic publisher with a rich history since 1798.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working culture, and generous leave policies.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of research publishing and make a real impact in the academic community.
  • Qualifications: Academic background in physical sciences and experience in commissioning or journal development.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Informa is a leading academic publishing, business intelligence, knowledge, and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world.

It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.

Taylor & Francis is one of the world’s largest publishers of high-quality, peer reviewed scholarly journals, books, e-books and reference works.

We empower learners, thinkers and doers with trusted knowledge that advances research and enriches lives.

We bring together diverse people, ideas and opinions to validate and publish the experts, theories and truths that matter.

And we’ve been doing this in an unbroken arc since 1798.

Our purpose is to foster human progress through knowledge.

We strongly believe that this requires us to encourage and examine different ideas and voices, so that any work that meets our exacting levels of quality deserves to be included in our publications.

This requires open minds, the opportunity for robust debate, and the courage to defend perspectives that stand up to scrutiny, even if they conflict with our personal beliefs or values.

Because that’s the only way to find the best obtainable version of the truth and, ultimately, foster human progress.

  • If you agree, then we’d love to hear from you
  • Make your mark shaping world‑leading research

Are you passionate about driving the future of academic knowledge? Taylor & Francis is recruiting for a

Commissioning Editor to champion some of our most strategically important journals.

This is a rare opportunity to influence high‑impact research publishing, spark fresh ideas across global scholarly communities, and help shape the content that defines entire fields.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for commissioning and delivering high‑quality article submissions that elevate journal performance, expand reach, and strengthen academic reputation.

You’ll work exclusively on a select group of high‑priority journals within the Physical Sciences field that receive enhanced commissioning support.

Through a combination of direct commissioning and close collaboration with academic editors and editorial boards, you’ll play a vital role in powering journal growth and ensuring the publication of exceptional, field‑defining content.

  • Key Accountabilities
  • Content Strategy & Development
  • Commission high-quality articles to journal or journals assigned in accordance with strategies and targets passed on bythe Director of Commissioning
  • With input from relevant stakeholders creates and regularly reviews detailed commissioning plans for journal(s) in order to meet content and development needs of the journals
  • Analyse academic fields to identify growth opportunities and emerging trends- including suggesting and driving new article types where relevant
  • Monitor research developments and market dynamics
  • Ensure content meets quality standards and development goals
  • Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with

  • Editors-in-Chief (EICs)
  • Editorial Board members
  • Research communities
  • Internal teams (e. g. Portfolio managers, wider commissioning team, marketing teams)
  • Provide regular progress updates through meetings and reports
  • Support and encourage Editors and Editorial Boards in their commissioning activities
  • Work closely with authors as their key contact at T&F, provide feedback and support at all stages of their publication journey to foster life‑long engagement and loyalty to journals and support authors in boosting the impact of their work
  • Research Community Engagement

• Establish professional presence in assigned subject areas through

  • Active networking
  • Social media engagement
  • Conference attendance
  • Build trust and recognition within research communities
  • Promote Taylor & Francis publishing benefits
  • Operational Excellence
  • Drive continuous improvement in commissioning processes
  • Optimize content quality and operational efficiency
  • Knowledge and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have

  • Academic background and/or experience within the physical sciences
  • Commissioning experience- generating leads/ideas, identifying key opinion leaders
  • Evidence of involvement in process improvement projects
  • Journal development experience

Skills and Behaviours Required

  • Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
  • Creativity – problem solving, initiating debate, ensuring ideas are explored and implemented if appropriate
  • Curiosity
  • Team working
  • Drive for results, self‑starter
  • Time management and ability to prioritise
  • Highly organized
  • Adaptive- positive approach to change
  • Knowledge and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have

  • Academic background and/or experience within the physical sciences
  • Commissioning experience- generating leads/ideas, identifying key opinion leaders
  • Evidence of involvement in process improvement projects
  • Journal development experience

Skills and Behaviours Required

  • Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
  • Creativity – problem solving, initiating debate, ensuring ideas are explored and implemented if appropriate
  • Curiosity
  • Team working
  • Drive for results, self‑starter
  • Time management and ability to prioritise
  • Highly organized
  • Adaptive- positive approach to change

What we offer in return

  • A competitive salary
  • An excellent work/life balance with a fantastic, flexible working culture.
  • 25 days annual leave per year, plus an extra day off for your birthday
  • 3 additional discretionary days for Christmas each year
  • 4 paid volunteering days each year
  • Employee assistance programme – offering 24/7 well-being support
  • Bonus
  • Share Match – Plan that matches every share purchased with two free shares.
  • Pension scheme
  • Life assurance, plus optical and medical care.
  • What you should know

• Closing date

  • Thursday14th May 2026
  • Location: We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to‑face.

That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more.

When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at conference – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

The successful candidate will be able to utiliseour balanced working model.

We ask that candidates live within acommutable distance of our UK offices at either London, Blackfriars or Milton Park, Oxfordshire, to ensure that as a balanced worker they can make it to our office locations to collaborate as required.

There is an expectation for a minimum of 3 days per week in-person time.

Please note our Milton Park office will be relocating to another Oxfordshire location in late 2027 / early 2028.

Being Yourself at Taylor & Francis

If you’re excited about working with Taylor & Francis to foster human progress through knowledge, we invite you to apply even if your existing skills and experience don’t fit every item listed above.

At Taylor & Francis, we are at our best and most successful when colleagues can be themselves and make a contribution regardless of their identity or background.

As a colleague, you will have the opportunity to further innovate and develop in areas that you are passionate about.

Our goal is to empower you with the resources, incentives, and flexibility you need to enjoy success at work and to live a healthy, balanced life.

Taylor & Francis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We believe in and value diversity of people and thought, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all colleagues can learn and succeed as their true selves.

Taylor & Francis recruits, develops, and retains colleagues without regard to any protected personal characteristics or other non-merit-based factor.

If you have a disability, or face another barrier, and would like to request an adjustment to assist your participation in the hiring process and/or in the advertised position, please contact us at recruitment@tandf. co. uk.

Your request will be reviewed and considered in the strictest confidence.

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Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development) employer: Informa Connect

At Taylor & Francis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a flexible working culture and prioritises work-life balance. Our Milton Park office, soon relocating to the vibrant Oxford city centre, offers a collaborative environment where diverse ideas thrive, alongside generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in fostering human progress through knowledge while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.

Informa Connect

Contact Details:

Informa Connect Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development)

Dive Into the Publishing Community

Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Informa Connect.

Make Your Passion Visible

If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.

Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites

While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Informa Connect. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development)

Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Organizational Skills
Adaptability
Flexibility
Teamwork
Compassion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!

Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Informa Connect. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!

Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Informa Connect.

How to prepare for a job interview at Informa Connect

Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends

Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!

Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Informa Connect. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.

Brush Up on Editing Techniques

Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!

Express Your Passion for Storytelling

In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Informa Connect. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!