Commissioning Editor

We publish a leading programme of research and educational books in the physical sciences, and the Commissioning Editor role is central to achieving our ultimate goal of helping authors share their knowledge with the world. 

As Commissioning Editor, you will be responsible for developing and managing a successful program of books within defined subject portfolios, including working with our partners the American Astronomical Society on our jointly published, prestigious series of astronomy and astrophysics titles. 

You will strategically seek out opportunities for new titles, identify and work with qualified authors and editorial boards to develop project proposals, and then oversee the publishing process from contract through to publication and beyond.

The Commissioning Editor works closely with colleagues across the Editorial, Production, Marketing and Sales departments to ensure the successful publication of their books. The role will report into the Head of Books and Proceedings Publishing. 

Key job responsibilities

• Strategically grow the eBooks program to maximise sales and usage;
• Build networks within the scientific community and work with authors to develop ideas into viable proposals;
• Provide a first-class experience for authors;
• Travel to conferences, industry events and institutional visits to meet potential authors and provide feedback on business and publishing opportunities to internal colleagues;
• Initiate and manage subject-specific book series, finding and appointing qualified Series Editors to maximise growth across series;
• Develop networks with colleagues across the business to build and share commissioning leads;
• Provide a high level of service to IOP’s external publishing partners in the strategic development of their book series, including the timely provision of information;
• Maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of Editorial Advisory Boards in the commissioning process, through in-person meetings and remotely;
• Direct the Editorial Assistants in their management of proposal assessment, manuscript development, and manuscript handovers, offering guidance as required;
• Collaborate with Marketing to ensure that IOP and the authors are equipped to maximise the visibility and usage of the books.

About you

Successful applicants should demonstrate the following: 

• Degree educated or equivalent experience (ideally in a science subject and an astronomy background is preferred);
• Outstanding communication and networking skills to work effectively with conference organisers, authors, editors and partners as well as internal stakeholders;
• Relevant experience in STM publishing with an understanding of commercial pressures;
• Willingness to travel regularly to conferences and other meetings.

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer employees an excellent pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution), discretionary annual bonus scheme, 25+ days holiday (not including bank holidays), standard 35-hour working week, volunteering days, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, and a range of flexible benefits such as cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership, healthcare cash plan, and payroll giving. 

Flexible Working

The contractual location of this role is IOP’s Bristol office, but we will consider applicants from a wider geographical area who are happy to travel to Bristol. You should be prepared to attend the Bristol office on one to two days per month on average, or every day if you prefer. IOP has a flexible, hybrid working model in place, in which colleagues largely decide where they work. 

To apply, please submit your CV through our careers site.  

About us

IOP Publishing is an international scientific publisher, through which leading-edge research is distributed worldwide. Our rapidly expanding journals programme is published alongside other sources of scientific information in the form of eBooks, magazines and conference proceedings. Other publications include easily accessible community and regional websites. We are a world leader in the development of electronic publishing for the scientific community and have offices in Europe, Asia and the US. Working in the interests of science and scientists, we aim to maximise the impact of the research we publish.

IOP Publishing is central to the Institute of Physics, a not-for-profit society. Any financial surplus earned by IOP Publishing goes to supporting science through the activities of the Institute. With a continuing focus on growth, we recognise that every single person has a real part to play if we’re to achieve our aim of becoming the world’s leading publisher in our field.

Vision: Our vision is that diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are built into our identity in a way that is both natural and sustainable and that is visible through the work we produce, our Ways of Being, our company branding, our professional networks and the colleagues and communities we serve and support.