Development Editor

Development Editor/Product Developer - Publishing    

Role context and purpose:

A key role in the development and administration of publications, bringing them to market on time, within budget and to the required level of quality to exceed the expectations of our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Work in conjunction with BCS Publishing colleagues to adopt and refine a best practice approach to the development and ongoing management of new and existing publications, including books, ebooks, journals, reports, dissertations and conference proceedings.

2. Manage the New Product Initiation process to evaluate and initiate new product proposals.

3. Own the product in all respects during the Product Lifecycle phases from inception to handover to Product Manager.

4. Provide clear project management in support of the product development strategy to meet business objectives.

5. Work in partnership with Publishing colleagues to manage strategic external relationships relating to publishing.

6. Work closely with all relevant departments within BCS to ensure successful delivery and ongoing relevance of publications.

7. Work with BCS marketing through the Marketing Planning Manager to ensure that appropriate marketing activities are in place well before the planned release of new publications.

8. Provide editorial and publishing support for Learned Society publishing activities.

Specific tasks:

1. Work in conjunction with BCS Publishing colleagues to adopt and refine a best practice approach to the development and ongoing management of new and existing publications, including books, ebooks, journals, reports and conference proceedings.

• Embrace and provide value within the new Product Management Strategy being adopted across BCS.
• Make recommendations for the improvement of associated processes and procedures as they relate to the Publishing Department.
• Work with the Head of Publishing  to fully appreciate and apply the legal and regulatory frameworks as appropriate to publishing.

2. Manage the Product Initiation process to evaluate and initiate new product proposals.

• Define the product offering in consultation with Head of Publishing, appropriate Practice Manager(s) with the relevant Business Unit stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Create business cases and plan, in partnership with the appropriate Practice Manager(s), market research for products.
• Present business case and proposal to management for approval.
• Evaluate products against set key performance indicators and recommend approaches to improve performance where necessary.

3. Own the product in all respects during the Product Lifecycle phases from inception to handover to Production Manager.

• Take full responsibility on behalf of the Head of Publishing for every aspect of the development of the product from initial concept to formal handover to         relevant Production Manager.
• Be closely involved with the Product Lifecycle process throughout and initiate corrective action when any aspects of the approved product proposal are not met.
• Gather, collate and prepare manuscript materials for handover to Production manager, together with associated documentation (Production Handover Form, Cover briefs etc)
• Prepare and file all associated handover documentation.

4. Provide clear project management in support of the product development strategy to meet business objectives.

• Apply pre-defined Business Unit processes and procedures to the development of products and services.
• Report on a regular basis internally to management on project and development status.
• Manage available budget and timetable ensuring an ongoing balance between the time, cost and quality elements of the Project.
• Maintain and manage an adequate register of risks associated with the Project.

5. Work in partnership with the Head of Publishing and the appropriate Practice Manager(s) to manage strategic external relationships relating to Product Development

• Engage with appropriate customer organisations, consultants and subject matter experts to understand the specific needs of a Sector with a view to developing new publications for that Sector.
• Produce briefings for and make business case arguments to the Product manager based on this activity for appropriate expenditure in engaging consultants and Subject Matter Experts.
• Retain close involvement across all Sectors as well as with Customer Sector Focus Groups set up and managed by the Sector Managers.

6. Work closely with all relevant departments within BCS to ensure successful delivery and ongoing relevance of qualifications products

• Work with Practice Managers to ensure that products remain relevant to their target market.
• Work closely with Practice Managers in all aspects of new product identification activity.
• Communicate with branches to build relationships, promote products and accumulate new ideas and concepts for products and services.
• Work with sector and product managers and product developers to share contacts and subject matter experts and contribute to the development of supporting publications for other products in development.

7. Work with BCS Marketing through the Marketing Planning Manager to ensure that appropriate marketing activities are in place well before the planned release of new publications.

• Support the production of product collateral content and coordinate the production of product marketing literature and web content with the marketing team.

8. Provide editorial and publishing support Institute and Group publishing activities
   • Manage and develop the EWic Programme
   • Provide Administrative support for a number of ad hoc Institute activities, for example co-ordinating publication of the Distinguished Dissertation Awards.

The following points are generic:

• The post holder will be required to carry out other tasks as required from time to time by their Line Manager/Divisional Director.

The content and reporting lines as detailed in this job description may be reviewed and changed from time to time to reflect organisational requirements.

Special conditions:

- Occasional travel throughout UK with overnight stays where necessary. Potential requirement  for some overseas travel (1 per year).

​To find out more and apply for this role, please click on the Apply Button.