Commissioning Editor / Senior Commissioning Editor in London

Location: London or Madrid - Hybrid working model

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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.

As Senior Commissioning Editor, you will take responsibility for projects within a Portfolio with a view to researching, developing differentiated concepts (in print and digital) and overseeing the commissioning of appropriate, profitable and quality ELT content and ensure that projects are planned and resourced adequately.

You will identify authors and contributors, working closely with the Global Market Research team, key local markets and Global and Local Brand to develop strong concepts that showcase the Customer Value Proposition.

Through a matrix management structure, you will guide the in-house cross-functional or freelance team or packager to develop quality material that meets the needs of the key markets which is produced to schedule and within budget. You will also mentor and develop Commissioning Editors.

Using high levels of understanding of ELT products and markets, you will work with the Publisher to ensure that a profitable business plan is delivered, and research new publishing solutions in conjunction with the Global Content and Methodologies team and propose opportunistic products to grow the sub-segment (e.g. versions).

Reporting to the Portfolio Publisher, collaboration is also essential with the Content Development team, the Global Content and Methodologies team, Publishing Operations, Sales and Marketing, Digital Product and Procurement stakeholders.

This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis in our London or Madrid offices on a hybrid working model.

• Segment strategy and publishing planning - Business Insights & Market Intelligence
• Analyse competition strategy and look for publishing opportunities within the (sub) segment
• Help identify possible partnerships and with Global and Local Brand support analysis and interpreting of data for Birthday review
• Based on market research, develop strong differentiated concepts for projects for teacher validation and samples for agreed components
• Identify authors/contributors and evaluate proposals for quality
• Help prepare Business cases and oversee project scope with Project Manager

• Content development - Editorial skills, Project Management, Balancing Stakeholders
• Work with relevant stakeholders to schedule and plan projects effectively
• Oversee the commissioning and briefing of authors and contributors in the development of material
• Brief external content developers and packagers on project specification, tasks, schedules and ways of working.
• Collaborate across portfolios with Publishers and CEs to identify and exploit opportunities for content reuse and co-creation
• Negotiate with authors in conjunction with the Publisher where relevant and work with legal to administer contracts
• Understand segment digital requirements and feed into the digital roadmap as appropriate

• Budget/Financial/Resource Responsibility - Analysis, Publishing Workflows & Systems
• Understand the Investment Approval process and demonstrate full awareness of the cost and schedule implications of all publishing processes
• Working with the Publisher, Project Manager and Content Development Manager to ensure projects are planned and resourced adequately with internal and external resource, for timely delivery
• Track budget phasing with the Project Manager to ensure the integrity of the project throughout the year to avoid over and underspend
• Manage performance, training and development of Commissioning Editors, working closely with the Publisher and the Learning and Development Team and support matrix management of Content Development team
• Recruit and induct new Commissioning Editors
• 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.

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. Understanding of publishing technologies and flexibility to learn new systems. A working understanding of content management systems. Experience of working with a range of new media. Knowledge of a second language desirable.

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