Job Description

Complex eBooks and Accessibility Manager, Group Production

The opportunity

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc is looking for an experienced Complex eBooks and Accessibility Manager to join our busy Group Production team, which serves a prestigious list covering a range of genres and subjects. The role reports to the Head of Production, Academic & Professional, but will work independently, managing the day-to-day process of the complex eBooks team and wider role of managing Bloomsbury\xe2\x80\x99s progression to an accessible workflow. They will be directly responsible in overseeing the production of a large variety of complex, enhanced, and illustrated eBooks across the Group\xe2\x80\x99s list from briefing to delivery, line managing the Senior eBooks Production Controller as well as providing essential oversight leading the Accessibility Working Group and its initiatives.

This is an excellent position for someone with solid experience seeking next steps of a management role in a career in digital production/accessibility within publishing. We are looking for someone who is a strong advocate for accessibility, who is excited by the challenge of spearheading in-house teams and providing knowledge and guidance to the wider company and is highly experienced in eBook and web publishing. The ideal candidate can work well both independently and in leading teams and is passionate about responsive user-orientated design, enjoys working on a variety of diverse projects and is comfortable juggling multiple deadlines, working with a variety of suppliers and in-house teams.

The role

Accessibility

• Providing essential oversight, guidance and coordination in leading the Accessibility Working Group, the Editorial Accessibility Working group and their initiatives
• Leading editorial teams by guiding them through the process of integrating image descriptions into their workflows by providing knowledge and guidance, organising external training and consulting on accessible workflows and practices
• Creating guidelines, statements and sharing knowledge so colleagues grow in confidence and awareness, promoting accessible practices so it becomes ingrained in everything the organization does
• Maintaining research into the evolving field of eBook and Web Accessibility, to ensure we are up to date with the latest standards and industry best practices
• Performing testing on files using accessibility tools and software to ensure our content is provided in the most accessible way for everyone

Complex eBooks

• Briefing and coordinating the production of our highly illustrated integrated eBooks, across the Group\xe2\x80\x99s list
• Ensuring all projects are produced on schedule, to high quality standards and within controlled budgets
• Performing technical and aesthetic fixes of eBook proofs through editing the HTML/CSS files
• Line managing the Senior eBooks Production Controller

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Significant demonstrated relevant experience (intricate knowledge of current colour eBook formats, accessibility standards and features, and reading devices is essential)
• An understanding of industry best practices and standards related to accessibility (WCAG 2.1, EPUB Accessibility 1.1, EPUB Types and ARIA Roles, PDF accessibility standards) and a knowledge of the requirements of the upcoming European Accessibility Act
• Solid project management skills with experience in leading working groups and meetings
• Practical knowledge and experience of assistive technology including but not limited to JAWS, NVDA, Talkback etc.
• Demonstrable experience with HTML/CSS/Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of responsive design best practices
• A detailed knowledge of the production life cycle for fixed and reflowable files
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• A keen eye for detail (proof-reading skills are desirable) and a good head for numbers
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Line-management experience
• Knowledge of XML-based workflows

Additional information
The role is a full-time permanent position

The role is based at our London office 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP 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: Wednesday/Thursday

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 21st August 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

AXA Healthcare Plan (Private Medical Insurance)

In-house Doctor

Eyecare Voucher Scheme

Company culture \xe2\x80\x93 Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom (BAME), Accessibility, Mental Health, Pride, and Parents, Guardians and Carers) and 21 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