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Associate Publisher

Collins has been publishing educational and informative books for over 200 years. Throughout this rich heritage we have maintained an impressive record in creating market-leading products across various sectors. Our publishing for schools continues to deliver up-to-date and engaging student resources and exceptional teacher support to help schools tackle new initiatives and utilise the latest technology. Collins is a leading provider of books and online learning for early years, primary and secondary education, and ELT. We publish an extensive range for UK and international curricula, and revision and home learning resources, which help schools deliver outstanding teaching, and support pupils and students both in the classroom and at home.

 Collins has a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We aim to reflect diversity in terms of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, family structure, disability, sexuality and socio-economic background wherever possible.

Introduction to the role

You are an outward facing, commercially-minded publisher, who collates timely information from your market sector and turns it into viable product proposals – print and/or digital as the end-user requires. You are responsible for the overall performance of your product portfolio in the relevant market and will support the Publishers in setting the strategic priorities and direction for the wider lists. This role focuses on primary home learning and revision and Scottish primary curriculum but has the flexibility to work on projects or other areas of the business as identified.

Your first six months

You will take forward projects that have already been acquired and see them through to launch. You will achieve a good understanding of the trade primary home learning and revision lists and Scottish curriculum primary lists, supporting the marketing and sales activity. You will effectively manage the backlist whilst also seeking out new opportunities that fit with the publishing strategy for each area. You will become familiar with the new Collins digital platform and assist with the roll out of a new programme for primary schools.

Key tasks and accountabilities

  • Identifies market trends and publishing opportunities through close contact with the market
  • Stays abreast of educational policy and administrative developments in their area and shares with the wider team
  • Sources new authors and educational consultants
  • Develops product rationale and takes forward viable product ideas to formal acquisitions process
  • Ensures commissioned content is as equitable, diverse and inclusive as possible
  • Works with sales and marketing to prepare market for launch, monitors progress against agreed strategy
  • Is accountable for product’s performance in the market, as part of the wider list
  • Responsible for the overall performance of the lists in the market, and for setting the strategic priorities and direction for the list
  • Works with finance, sales and marketing colleagues to set ambitious but achievable sales targets, and plays a part in ensuring those targets are delivered

Experience and skills required

  • Experience of publishing list management

  • Relevant commissioning or product development experience including track record

  • Experience in educational publishing

  • Editorial experience

  • Digital publishing experience

Skills / Competencies

  • Clear, effective and engaging communication and presentation skills

  • Developing relationships with authors, teachers, consultants, customers, brand partners

  • Influencing skills

  • Strategic and lateral thinker

  • Strong commercial awareness

  • Proactive in troubleshooting and solving problems

  • Passionate about learning and education

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to our Senior Recruitment Manager at Kally.simmonds@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.

Associate Publisher

HarperCollins, London | Glasgow
Contract, Full-time, Maternity Contract, Maternity Cover
Publisher
Administration, Commissioning Editor, Publishing, Strategy, Communications, Business Development, Project Management, Digital, Editorial, Acquisitions
Reference: 
Associate Publisher

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Relevant commissioning or product development experience including track record