Publishing Development Manager

Job Description

With a strong emphasis on networking and building new content partnerships for Emerald, the Publishing Development Manager role will embed itself within target researcher communities, understanding their needs, becoming an ambassador and amplifying the voices of those communities. You will use your deep knowledge of the research ecosystem to co-create new content including open access and hybrid journals and explore alternative types of research output. As a team we are aligned to goal areas focused on the UN SDGs and we prioritise content that addresses societal challenges and imbalances, playing our role in delivering change through impact.

Location: We perform at our best when we feel trusted and are able to choose an approach to working that suits us best, which is why we are a remote-first company. However, we also believe in face to face collaboration, and our UK colleagues meet once a month for team time and quarterly for company get togethers in our Leeds office, so we ask that you be within a commutable distance that you are comfortable with in order to attend the office on those occasions.

About our Recruitment Process: We welcome applications from all individuals, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief. As we understand the value of the transferability of skills and experiences, we are not looking for the 'perfect candidate' – we encourage everyone who is truly excited about our mission to apply.

Day to day we’ll trust you to:   

• Build strong networks with researchers and institutions to uncover insights and create partnerships that support both our publishing goals and commercial strategy.
• Drive the launch of new Gold Open Access and hybrid journals, helping us grow our portfolio in line with our mission.
• Lead the development of new journal ideas — from concept to launch — with a focus on output, visibility, and impact.
• Collaborate with our brand and marketing teams to create campaigns that spotlight content aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Spot opportunities for collaboration and co-creation that position Emerald as a trusted and inclusive publishing partner.
• Gather market intelligence to inform our wider strategy, with a focus on open access, innovation, and equity in publishing.
• Work closely with editorial teams to ensure they feel supported, engaged, and reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
• Explore new content formats that help researchers reach broader audiences and make their work more accessible.
• Champion the researcher experience, ensuring every interaction is smooth, supportive, and impactful.
• Get out there! Attend events, visit campuses, and build relationships that strengthen Emerald’s presence in the research world.
• Be a voice in the community by identifying opportunities for thought leadership and speaking engagements at key conferences.

You’ll need to have:   

Skills & Strengths

• Strong communicator — written, verbal, and visual — with the ability to engage across teams and levels.
• Confident decision-maker with a knack for problem-solving and spotting strategic opportunities.
• Skilled in commissioning, negotiation, and relationship-building.
• Comfortable working with data and translating insights into action.

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience in publishing, marketing, or a commercial environment.
• A good understanding of Emerald’s products and a genuine interest in academic publishing.
• Awareness of open access, innovation, and equity in the research landscape.

Mindset & Approach

• A self-starter with energy, drive, and a collaborative spirit.
• Passionate about learning and supporting others to grow.
• Curious about the research community and eager to build meaningful connections.
• Open to travel and active in internal and external networks (including social media).

What’s in it for you?

At Emerald, we value our people. Becoming a part of our team means you’ll join a trusting and flexible environment and we've been flexified so you can trust that we're a truly flexible workplace. All we ask is that you attend the office once a month to come together with work colleagues. You'll also have numerous opportunities to progress your career, as well as access to professional development and the opportunity to learn new skills.

You’ll receive a wide range of benefits, such as 38 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, remote flexible working, a discretionary performance bonus, 6% pension contribution and various benefits aimed at supporting your wellbeing and work-life balance such as a working from home allowance. You can check out a full list of our benefits here.

Roles are advertised at a benchmarked market median rate. Offers will be made within a range of the median, depending on skills and experience.

Please note - Applicants must be authorized to work in the UK without restrictions or sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Emerald Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our applicants. If you would like to request any accommodations/adjustments from application through to interview stages, please complete the relevant section within the application or contact us at peopleteam@emerald.com and let us know.