Commissioning Editor - Journals and Foundations & Trends

Emerald Publishing Limited; Remote; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic publisher is seeking a Commissioning Editor to manage a portfolio of journals and drive content development. The role emphasizes building relationships and implementing strategies to enhance academic publishing impact. With a remote-first approach, occasional office attendance in Leeds is required. The position offers numerous career development opportunities, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment focused on research that contributes to society.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Remote flexible working

Discretionary performance bonus

Pension contribution

Working from home allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in journals publishing, achieving strategic priorities.
• Excellent understanding of the academic publishing environment.
• Advanced relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Craft strategies to develop a pipeline of journal articles.
• Commission content aligned with strategic priorities.
• Manage Editorial teams and Boards to promote best practices.

Skills

Journals publishing experience

Relationship management

Ability to work cross-functionally

Understanding of academic publishing

Innovative approaches

Job description

Looking to make a real impact in the world of academic publishing? We’ve got just the opportunity for you!

Department: Publishing

Location: Remote, UK

Compensation: circa £36,000

We’re on the hunt for a Commissioning Editor to join our dynamic Content Acquisition team. You’ll be managing and developing an allocated journal portfolio, actively commissioning content into our newly acquired Foundations and Trends review journals, and focusing on increasing output aimed at delivering real-world societal impact. You’ll be a key player in ensuring that Emerald is a leading voice for our research communities.

Where will you work?

We’re a remote‑first company because we believe you do your best work when you feel trusted and comfortable. But we also love a good face‑to‑face catch‑up! Our UK team meets once a month for some team time and quarterly for company get‑togethers in our Leeds office. So, you’ll need to be within a commutable distance that you are comfortable with in order to attend the office on those occasions.

About our Recruitment Process

We welcome applications from all individuals, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief. As we understand the value of the transferability of skills and experiences, we are not looking for the ‘perfect candidate’, we encourage everyone who is truly excited about our mission to apply.

We receive a high volume of interest in our roles and may close applications early if we reach capacity. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you require additional time to complete your application due to accessibility needs or other circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re happy to support you.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Crafting brilliant strategies to develop a strong pipeline of journal articles and other digital content
• Commissioning and delivering content to aligned with our strategic priorities
• Managing Editorial teams and Boards to deliver best practice and boost diverse representation
• Using systems and reports to meet objectives for attention, citations, impact factor, market share, author and reviewer satisfaction, and publication speed

What you’ll need:

• Experience: Proven journals publishing experience with a knack for hitting strategic priorities and portfolio targets.
• Knowledge: Excellent understanding of the evolving academic publishing environment, especially open research.
• Skills: Advanced relationship management and the ability to work cross‑functionally.
• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for research that delivers real societal impact.
• Drive: The motivation to expand your network and advocate for Emerald.
• Innovation: A readiness to embrace new ways of working and innovative approaches.

What’s in it for you?

At Emerald, we value our people. Becoming a part of our team means you’ll join a trusting and flexible environment and we've been flexified so you can trust that we're a truly flexible workplace. All we ask is that you attend the office once a month to come together with work colleagues. You'll also have numerous opportunities to progress your career, as well as access to professional development and the opportunity to learn new skills.

You’ll receive a wide range of benefits, such as 38 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), remote flexible working, a discretionary performance bonus, 6% pension contribution (raising to 7% if you choose to increase your contribution above 2%) and various benefits aimed at supporting your wellbeing and work‑life balance such as a working from home allowance. You can check out a full list of our benefits here.

Roles are advertised at a benchmarked market median rate. Offers will be made within a range of the median, depending on skills and experience.

Please note – Applicants must be authorized to work in the UK without restrictions or sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Emerald Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our applicants. If you would like to request any accommodations/adjustments from application through to interview stages, please complete the relevant section within the application or contact us at [e-mail] and let us know.