Development Editor

Job description

Who we are and what we do

Hodder Education is the home of accessible, future-proofed educational resources where we put students, teachers and parents at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to help every teacher and learner across the globe to succeed by creating and delivering high-quality content and support.

Hodder Education is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 12 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.

What you'll be doing

You will support the Hodder Education publishing plan by co-ordinating content and supporting authors in the writing and development of manuscripts for print and digital products from commissioning sign-off until handover to the Editorial team. You will ensure that content closely matches the relevant curriculum specifications and customer/market needs, either intervening directly to take full control of the manuscript development or overseeing the work of freelance development editors taking such action. You will ensure that projects are handed over on time and to budget in order for them to meet their financial targets.

Who we are looking for

• The ideal candidate should use evidence to show their track record of working in a development editorial capacity, exhibiting familiarity with author management techniques and success at adhering to strict time schedules.
• They should have demonstrable editorial skills and competence at developing manuscripts, including an ability to shape content for best pedagogical impact, in line with set guidelines, thinking along both digital and print lines.
• They should be able to communicate written briefs clearly, including coaching authors and taking action to deliver material to a high standard
• They should show understanding of their activities within the wider commercial context, and show evidence of working within budget and to deadline.
• Building positive working relationships with important authors, as well as with freelancers and in-house colleagues is a significant part of the role.

What we offer

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

• 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Generous pension schemes
• Rent deposit loans
• 2 community days per year
• Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
• Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Wide-ranging training library
• Development programmes (including mentoring)
• Up to 70% off book purchases
• A charity bookshelf
• 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
• Season ticket loans
• And much more!

This role can be based at our London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Our commitment

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.

If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org