Reference Publishing Manager

This role will involve publishing a wide variety of reference-based titles for adults within Collins. The publishing role requires having accountability for, and growing, The Times publishing (sport, royalty, obituary), business books and other new areas to be identified. It will involve publishing both printed and digital products.

The publishing manager will work closely with all areas of the business from editorial to sales and marketing. This is a key role in maintaining and growing the current non-fiction publishing within Collins.

Key Accountabilities:

• Commission non-fiction reference books and series as directed by Reference Publisher.
• The Times publishing and act as main point of contact for both internal and external communication
• Build and maintain a 3 year plan based around publishing front-list for new editions, new titles and new series.
• Research new ideas and areas that Collins Learning could publish into as directed by Reference Publisher.
• Digital publishing – research and develop publishing proposals and maintain and improve current published list.
• Fully brief and work with project leaders and designers on the publications.
• Investigate possible partner organisations and authors that Collins could work with.
• Attend and contribute to publishing team meetings and publishing departmental meeting.
• Lead annual strategy sessions on reference publishing within Collins.
• Liaise with marketing and assist in the improvement and optimisation of metadata of published products to the priorities set by Reference Publisher.
• Monitor commercial and market response of titles and assess versus budget and expectations.
• Have a full understanding of current non-fiction market and flag up when trends are appearing in market.
• Monitor customer feedback and respond within agreed process.

Person Specification 

• Knowledge of the non-fiction or reference publishing market across the UK

• Demonstrable experience within a publishing role

• Ability to work collaboratively, proactively and independently

• Commercially astute

• Good negotiation and relationship-building skills

• A team player with strong communication and people skills.

 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.