Job Description

Commissioning Editor, Osprey Publishing

The opportunity

We are looking for a Commissioning Editor to join the Osprey Publishing team.

Osprey Publishing is the UK\xe2\x80\x99s leading illustrated military history publisher and we have been producing books for both enthusiasts and the wider market since 1968. We are part of Bloomsbury\xe2\x80\x99s Special Interest division, which creates original and high quality content to support hobbies, enthusiasms and interests in a number of subject areas including military history, sports, religion, wildlife, creative writing and sailing.

Th is an exciting opportunity for an imaginative and passionate Commissioning Editor, preferably with some experience of working in military history. This is a busy, fast-paced role that will involve commissioning titles across the full range of books that Osprey produces, from the highly illustrated series lists that form the bedrock of our publishing, through the gift books, specialist illustrated titles and narrative monographs that make up our non-series publishing. One of the key parts of the Commissioning Editor role is responsibility for the commissioning and management of Osprey\xe2\x80\x99s flagship series of Campaign titles, and the ideal candidate will be comfortable working on multi-contributor projects and be familiar with commissioning and evaluating artwork, maps and diagrams.

We are looking for someone with a clear editorial vision for the lists they will be responsible for, and the ability to communicate that vision throughout the wider company. The Commissioning Editor will also be responsible for the line management of a Desk Editor who will work on their titles, so the ability to manage and nurture a direct line report is essential.

The ideal candidate will have first-rate verbal and written communication skills and have a track record of building strong relationships with authors, agents and colleagues of all levels.

The role will report to the Editorial Director of Osprey Publishing.

The role

• To shape and develop Osprey\xe2\x80\x99s series and non-series publishing, working alongside the Editorial Director and the other commissioning editors to commission and promote a coherent programme.
• To manage and grow a pool of contributors. To manage and liaise with publishing partners and associates on specific projects.
• To manage the Desk Editor responsible for the titles commissioned.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Exceptional structural and line-editing skills \xe2\x80\x93 with a demonstrable interest and enthusiasm for history.

• Experience of assessing manuscript submissions. This includes not only the text, but all the detailed references required to create Osprey\xe2\x80\x99s signature artwork and other illustrations.
• Knowledge of trends and developments in cover design and copy.
• Exceptional copy-writing ability.
• Commercial awareness and a track record of trend spotting and maximising revenues.
• Knowledge of Biblio or other publishing systems an advantage but the ability to learn and adapt to publishing systems and processes quickly is essential.
• Ability to establish and nurture good working relationships with key colleagues, authors and agents.
• Experience of recruitment and people management, and the ability to manage and nurture direct line reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and good attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

Additional information

The role is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week).

The role is based at our Oxford office, Kemp House, Chawley Park, Cumnor Hill, Oxford OX2 9PH, 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 Mondays and Tuesdays.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter addressed to Human Resources (Word or PDF format only) via the \xe2\x80\x98APPLY NOW\xe2\x80\x99 button detailing how you meet the requirements outlined above for this role by Monday 31 July 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 \xe2\x80\x93 take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier in the week

Season Ticket Loan

Sharesave Scheme

In-house Doctor

Eyecare Voucher Scheme

Company culture! \xe2\x80\x93 Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom, Disability, Mental Health, Pride and Parents, Guardians and Carers), 8 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.

Bloomsbury Publishing