Desk Editor, Osprey Publishing

The opportunity

We are looking for a Desk Editor to join Osprey Publishing within the Special Interest Team at Bloomsbury.

Osprey Publishing is the UK’s leading illustrated military history publisher and we have been producing books for both enthusiasts and the wider market since 1968. We are part of Bloomsbury’s Special Interest division, which creates original and high quality content to support hobbies, enthusiasms and interests in a number of subject areas including military history, sports, religion, wildlife, creative writing and sailing.

We are looking for someone with previous professional experience of book project management in an editorial role, who has excellent communication skills and a good eye for detail and who is used to juggling a variety of tasks. An enthusiasm for history would be an advantage. The role reports to the Editorial Director.

The role

• To project manage assigned titles across the range of works that Osprey publishes: Osprey series titles, as well as selected hardback and paperback non-series titles, both illustrated and non-illustrated.
• To ensure all books are published on time, to a high standard of quality and within budget while maintaining good working relationships with freelancers, authors, illustrators and internal departments (primarily Sales, Marketing and Production) and keeping accurate records.

Knowledge, skills and experience 

• Experience of project management within a professional editorial role
• Great organizational skills, time management and ability to prioritize workload 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Copy editing and proofreading ability
• Budget management experience
• Good eye for detail
• IT competency, particularly with Word, Outlook, Excel and databases such as Biblio 3, and aptitude for learning new software
• Proactive attitude and professional manner 
• An enthusiasm for history would be an advantage 

Additional information

The role is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week).

The role is based at our Oxford office, Kemp House, Chawley Park, Cumnor Hill, Oxford OX2 9PH, on a hybrid working pattern of 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred).  Allocated office days for this role are Mondays and Tuesdays.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter addressed to Human Resources (Word or PDF format only) via the ‘APPLY NOW’ button detailing how you meet the requirements outlined above for this role by Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Bloomsbury reserve the right to close the role early if we exceed the required number of applications

Bloomsbury Benefits

As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package:

Working Pattern

• hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred)

Holidays

• 25 days holiday
• 3.5 days Christmas company holiday

Other Benefits:

Two paid Personal Wellness Days

Flexible Fridays – take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier in the week

Season Ticket Loan

Sharesave Scheme

In-house Doctor

Eyecare Voucher Scheme

Company culture! – Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom, Disability, Mental Health, Pride and Parents, Guardians and Carers), 12 Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources

For additional benefits see below

Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please flag to the recruitment team if required

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

The Company

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Bloomsbury Publishing is a leading independent publishing house, established in 1986, with authors who have won the Nobel, Pulitzer and Booker Prizes, and is the originating publisher and custodian of the Harry Potter series. Bloomsbury has offices in London, New York, New Delhi, Oxford and Sydney. Within Bloomsbury’s Academic division, it publishes under Bloomsbury, as well as under a number of prestigious and historic imprint names. Read Our Story for how it all began. 

 Bloomsbury is committed to creating a working environment that stimulates creativity and collaboration, is respectful of difference, is inclusive and ethical in its practice, and promotes well-being. We are determined to nurture and develop our employees to reach their highest potential, and we know that our success is down to the passion, commitment and hard work of our talented people. We recognise the urgent need to attract and support applicants from all backgrounds and identities to become part of the global publishing industry, allowing diverse voices to reflect and shape our culture and society.