Journals Commissioning Editor

Do you thrive at the intersection of scholarly communication, editorial quality, and an exceptional author experience? We have an exciting opportunity for a Journals Commissioning Editor to help commission high-quality research and shape the development of a scholarly journals portfolio across the environmental and water sciences sector, advancing global health and well‑being, through the dissemination of world‑class research. This role offers hybrid working from the London office.

This role works closely with the Head of Journals and plays a pivotal part in building trusted relationships with authors, editors, and subject communities, and ensuring excellent end‑to‑end experiences throughout the publishing journey.

As Journals Commissioning Editor, you will act as a consultative partner to support authors and editors at key stages of the manuscript and publication lifecycle. You will be responsible for attracting strong submissions, building relationships, and supporting timely delivery of commissioned content, including special issues aligned to strategic publishing priorities.

• Attract and secure high‑quality submissions to support annual commissioning targets and journal KPIs.
• Deliver special issues strategy: identify guest editors, manage proposals and ensure timely delivery.
• Manage manuscript transfers across the portfolio through an efficient referral network.
• Build relationships with editors, authors and subject communities to create a strong pipeline of content.
• Provide consultative, customer‑focused guidance to authors throughout the submission/publication journey.
• Use research and bibliographic databases to identify relevant topics, communities, and high‑potential contributors.
• Work closely with the Books Commissioning Editor, to align topical content across the company’s publishing strategy.

To be successful in this role, you will have proven experience in academic journal publishing with clear commissioning/editorial exposure, ideally with an understanding and/or experience in water sciences, environmental sciences, physical geography or related fields. You will be skilled in influencing, negotiation and relationship building with academic stakeholders and possess commercial awareness and the ability to support commissioning goals and performance metrics.

Some experience of using research and bibliographic databases e.g. Web of Science would be an advantage. A strong customer focused is required as is a genuine interest in delivering a great author experience.

This is a genuinely impactful role where you’ll help shape the dissemination of research that can improve global health and well‑being. You’ll work with experienced editorial leadership, contribute directly to commissioning strategy, and play a key part in delivering special issues that align with the evolving priorities of the environmental and water sciences sector.

If you’re a commissioning‑driven editorial professional with a background in journals publishing and a passion for author excellence, we would love to hear from you.

For further information or a confidential chat, please send your CV with a short cover not to: