Managing Editor

Watkins Publishing, a leading, innovative, independent book publisher is looking for an experienced Managing Editor to work across the Watkins and Nourish imprints on both illustrated and text-only projects.

Established in 1893, Watkins Publishing is one of the oldest publishers of mind, body, spirit and personal development books. Nourish is a much more recently established imprint focusing on wellness through food and drink. Both are part of Watkins Media Ltd, an independently owned multimedia group specializing in books, magazines and digital content.

This role reports to the Associate Publisher.

The successful candidate will be extremely well-organized and deadline driven, thrive on multitasking, and enjoy managing and developing new talent, as well as being part of a fast-moving creative team in a dynamic environment. The primary focus of the role is to oversee the scheduling, project development (w/ acquiring editor), editorial workflow and ultimately publication delivery of the Nourish list, as well as select Watkins and ancillary products.

Key Duties

• Managing the editorial process for all Nourish titles and select Watkins titles—illustrated and text-only, new and reuse.
• Working closely with authors and freelancers to maintain the highest of editorial standards on all content delivered. This includes guiding first-time authors through the editorial process.
• Commissioning and liaising with freelance editors, indexers, proofreaders, designers and typesetters.
• Scheduling and managing all editorial workflow and adjusting these as needed to maintain on-time publication schedules and accommodate the opportunities as they arise.
• Maintaining management of all title P&L budgets.
• Consistently streamlining and refining editorial processes to make them more efficient.
• Monitoring supplier performance.
• Working with editorial, production, design and sales teams to set project priorities and appropriate schedules for first prints and reprints.
• Holding responsibility for quality control and final sign-off on all aspects of the projects, including advance information sheets, selling materials and printer proofs.

Key Skills

• A huge passion and comfort level for working on food-and drink-related projects, including experience with project management and editorial development on illustrated and text-only culinary projects.
• Exceptional understanding of schedules and a respect for balancing deadlines with quality.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment on multiple high-priority projects.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good working knowledge of Excel, InDesign, Word, Acrobat.
• Good working knowledge of copyediting & proofreading standards and able to apply a house style and regional style (ie Americanization, Anglicisation) where needed.
• Ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally at all levels of the business. Being able to work well with all areas of the business to deliver what is needed is essential.

This role is based in our London offices at Angel, Islington.

If you are interested in joining a creative, dynamic team, please submit your CV and covering message to chris.wold@watkinspublishing.com .

      Expertise and passion for food and drink publishing is essential. 

Application closing date:  Friday, 3 June 2016