At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape world-leading research by commissioning high-quality articles for top journals.
- Company: Join Taylor & Francis, a leader in academic publishing with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and a bonus share match plan.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global scholarly communities and drive innovative research.
- Qualifications: Academic background in physical sciences and experience in commissioning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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- Commission high‑quality articles to journal or journals assigned in accordance with strategies and targets passed on by the Director of Commissioning.
- With input from relevant stakeholders, create and regularly review 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.
- 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.
- Establish professional presence in assigned subject areas through active networking.
- Build trust and recognition within research communities.
- Promote Taylor & Francis publishing benefits.
- Optimize content quality and operational efficiency.
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.
- Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
- Creativity – problem solving, initiating debate, ensuring ideas are explored and implemented if appropriate.
- Drive for results, self‑starter.
- Time management and ability to prioritise.
- Highly organized.
- Adaptive – positive approach to change.
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, Life assurance, plus optical and medical care.
What you should knowLocation: 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 utilise our balanced working model. We ask that candidates live within a commutable 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 Oxford city centre in late 2027 / early 2028, offering an exciting new workplace in the heart of the city.
Being Yourself at Taylor & FrancisIf 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.
Equal Opportunity EmployerTaylor & 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.
We genuinely care about our colleagues, promoting work‑life balance, wellbeing, and flexible working. We believe that the skills and experience you bring to Taylor & Francis are invaluable. We want you to have the opportunity to develop your abilities, and to innovate and develop in areas which you are passionate about.
To find out more about our business and the great career opportunities please go to our Careers Site: http://www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/careers. Or better yet check out our LinkedIn ‘Life’ Page, highlighting our accomplishments, employees and company culture. It’s also a good way of meeting our recruitment team, who will be happy to advise you on your journey here at T&F.
Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development) employer: Taylor & Francis Group
Contact Detail:
Taylor & Francis Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the academic community. Attend conferences, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators or mentors. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the field! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for physical sciences shine through. Share your ideas on emerging trends and how you can contribute to their journals. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the journals you’ll be working with and come armed with insights on their current content and future direction. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but are genuinely invested in their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your skills and interests!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor (Strategic Development)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for academic publishing shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about driving the future of research and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in commissioning and the physical sciences. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and ideas. Remember, quality over quantity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Taylor & Francis.
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor & Francis Group
✨Know Your Journals
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific journals you'll be working with. Understand their focus areas, recent articles, and any gaps in content. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Since building relationships is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully networked in the past. Highlight any connections you've made within the academic community and how those relationships have benefited your previous projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you analyse academic fields for growth opportunities. Bring examples of trends you've identified in your previous roles and how you acted on them. This will illustrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is crucial for a Commissioning Editor. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery and ensure you convey your ideas effectively.