Commissioning Editor - FTC (12 months maternity cover) in London

Commissioning Editor - FTC (12 months maternity cover) in London

London Temporary 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Springer Nature

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Attract high-quality content for Springer Nature journals and create engaging Topical Collections.
  • Company: Join a leading global publisher committed to advancing research and knowledge sharing.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and great employee benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of research publishing and collaborate with top researchers.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, strong data analysis skills, and excellent communication abilities.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Location: London - Hybrid

Closing date: 20th June 2026

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 pioneers 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.

At Springer Nature, we recognise that talent is developed through a range of career paths. We encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills, provided they are supported by relevant experience that shows how those skills have been successfully applied in practice. Our hiring approach balances skills, experience, and potential to ensure each role is fulfilled with both short term effectiveness and long-term growth in mind.

The Springer Nature Journals Group aims to support researchers in communicating and advancing discovery for a better world. We do this by providing a trusted environment in which researchers can quickly, easily and transparently share their discoveries, data and research stories.

About the Role

The Commissioning Editor is responsible for attracting high-quality content into key Springer Nature journals via the creation of Topical Collections. Increasing commissioned content is an essential part of our strategy to grow our Springer Nature journal portfolios and as such appropriate topic identification is critical. The Commissioning Editor will work with our Editorial Board Members and with our data scientists and analysts to ensure topic selection benefits from being data driven. Similarly, identification of an appropriate Guest Editor is key to a Collection’s success; the Commissioning Editor will reach out to high-level active researchers and encourage them to engage in Topical Collections in Springer Nature journals either as an editor or an author. This is a rare opportunity to join and help shape a new and growing team at a pivotal time.

Role Responsibilities:

  • Overall responsibility for planning and implementing of commissioning strategies on key journals - Business Development, Market Intelligence
  • Identify appropriate topics for Collections, using data analysis tools to perform market share and competitor analysis - Data analytics/Quantitative Skills, Market Intelligence, Business Insights
  • Identify, recruit and engage Guest Editors and potential authors to edit a Collection or submit their research articles - Balances Stakeholder
  • Plan and manage the Collection pipeline against an ambitious publication target - Project Management, Publishing Workflows & Systems, Drives Results
  • Define and implement best practices across the Collections lifecycle - Operational Excellence, Adaptability
  • Build and leverage relationships with internal and external editorial communities - Building Networks, Balances Stakeholder
  • Engage with our Marketing teams to coordinate and improve the promotion of our Collections, and develop new ways to reach out to the external communities served by our journals - Market Intelligence

Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

Essential

  • Demonstrable planning and organizational skills
  • Bachelor's Degree, preferably in a STEM discipline
  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills
  • Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders
  • Adaptability and resilience to change
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently on own initiative as well as part of a team
  • A creative mindset and the ability to bring energy, ideas and new approaches

Desirable

  • Practical awareness of the importance and key aspects of research ethics and open access publishing
  • Ability to directly query data is desirable
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Previous experience of scholarly or academic publishing

This role is based in our London King's Cross office on a hybrid working basis with 2 days a week in the office required. In return, we offer a competitive salary range and great employee benefits.

To apply: please submit your CV and 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.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/#LI-CE1

Job Posting End Date: 21-06-2026

Commissioning Editor - FTC (12 months maternity cover) in London employer: Springer Nature

Springer Nature is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide numerous opportunities for professional development and encourage diverse perspectives to drive progress. Our hybrid working model ensures a healthy work-life balance, while our competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package make us a desirable choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in publishing.

Springer Nature

Contact Details:

Springer Nature Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor - FTC (12 months maternity cover) in London

Get Your Portfolio Sorted

As a publishing-media temporary position, having a well-curated portfolio of your work is key. Gather your best writing samples, layouts, or projects you’ve been involved in, and make sure they're easily accessible online. This’ll give potential employers like Springer Nature immediate insight into what you can bring to the table.

Tap into Publishing Networks

Don’t underestimate the power of industry connections! Join platforms like PublishingPerspectives or attend local publishing events. Engaging with others in the field can not only provide job leads but also valuable insights into temporary roles, like the one at Springer Nature. Plus, you might just snag that insider info that helps you land the job!

Utilise your University Resources

If you're currently studying or recently graduated, your university's career services are a treasure trove! They often have connections with publishing agencies or temporary roles available in the industry. Make a visit or reach out to see if there are opportunities with companies like Springer Nature that you can jump on.

Be Ready for Short Notice

In the world of temporary publishing roles, flexibility is your best friend. Be prepared to jump in at short notice! Keep an eye on job boards and set alerts for opportunities at places like Springer Nature. The more proactive you are, the better your chances will be!

We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor - FTC (12 months maternity cover) in London

Planning and Organisational Skills
Data Analysis
Market Intelligence
Business Development
Project Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Portfolio:When you're applying for a temporary role in publishing-media, it's crucial to include samples of your writing. Whether it’s articles, blog posts, or even creative pieces, let us see your flair for storytelling and your ability to engage readers. A well-curated portfolio can really set you apart!

Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV shines with skills that are essential for the publishing-media world. Highlight your experience with editing, content creation, or even specific software like InDesign or Photoshop. The more relevant experience you flaunt, the better your chances at catching our eye!

Show Us Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention your adaptability and your willingness to tackle various tasks or changes in workflow. This kind of attitude is gold in the fast-paced publishing world.

Make It Personal and Engaging:Your cover letter is your chance to connect with us at Springer Nature—don't hold back! Share why you're passionate about publishing-media and what excites you about joining our team. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application memorable.

How to prepare for a job interview at Springer Nature

Know Your Digital Tools

In the publishing-media world, being savvy with digital tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and content management systems can really set you apart. We should brush up on our skills with these tools, as many interviewers might throw in some technical questions or scenario-based tasks to see how you’d handle real projects.

Showcase Your Portfolio

Since we're looking at a temporary role, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running. Make sure your portfolio is up to date with a variety of your best work! Talk us through your projects, highlighting your involvement and the impact of your contributions.

Be Ready for Creative Discussions

Interviews in publishing-media often dive deep into creative discussions. We should be prepared to chat about our favourite pieces of media, current trends, or even pitches for new ideas. This is our time to shine and show our enthusiasm for the industry!

Flexibility is Key

Temporary roles can sometimes involve ever-changing tasks and priorities. Let’s showcase our adaptability by sharing examples of times we’ve successfully handled last-minute changes or embraced new challenges. This will show them we’re not just committed but also capable of thriving in a dynamic environment!