Commissioning Editor

Commissioning Editor - Permanent - £40,370

Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher. You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.

About Sage:

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely. 

Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to:

• Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact

• Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning

• Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas

About our Team:

We are a highly motivated, driven and united team central to Sage's Open Access journal portfolio. We build and broaden our selection of high-quality journals directly impacting growth targets and initiatives. We work closely with marketing, editorial and product innovation to help our journals connect with a broad audience and fulfil their full potential.

Could you be our new Commissioning Editor? Are you?

• Confident in developing and delivering commissioning plans that meet growth targets in Open Access.

• Skilled at evaluating subject fields, spotting growth opportunities, and applying data-driven insights to expand journal portfolios.

• Able to commission high-quality, relevant articles and Special Collections that drive measurable submission increases.

• Adept at outreach and engagement with experience using CRM systems, marketing collaboration, and innovative outreach strategies to boost submissions and community participation.

• Skilled in building positive relationships through conferences, presentations, and one-to-one engagement, acting as a visible ambassador for open access publishing.

• Experienced at prioritising multiple projects and applying creative, outside‑the‑box thinking to deliver measurable outcomes.

Your new role:

As a Commissioning Editor, you will have the opportunity to proactively develop a series of open access journals.

• Grow journal portfolio by analysing academic fields, identifying emerging research areas, and driving Special Collections and article submissions.

• Strengthen subject relevance through continuous trend monitoring and researcher engagement, ensuring timely commissioning aligned with community needs.

• Expand author networks by recruiting key opinion leaders and Guest Editors, enhancing journal prestige and visibility.

• Deliver commissioning strategy in partnership with Editorial Boards, Chief Editors, and Managing Editors to align with growth and development goals.

• Achieve content targets by commissioning valuable, on-topic articles that directly contribute to portfolio performance metrics.

• Increase submissions and reach by leading community initiatives, collaborating with Marketing on campaigns, and experimenting with outreach strategies.

• Enhance processes and innovation by working cross-functionally with Commissioning, Marketing, Product, and Technology teams to improve workflows and tools.

• Maintain competitive edge by monitoring field innovations and other journal performances, adapting strategies to sustain journal growth.

Overview of benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with 2 additional floating personal days.

• Hybrid working up to 2 days per week in office and a home working allowance.

• Life assurance, income protection, and travel insurance.

• Private medical cover and access to the company doctor.

• Tuition scheme and support for pursuing professional qualifications, including access to Sage books and journals.

• Variety of snacks and beverages available in the office.

• Healthy lifestyle reimbursement and anniversary trips.

• Access to Company loans (season ticket loan, rental deposit loan, cycle loan).

We’re a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1). If you’d like to apply under this scheme, please let us know in your application.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive. If you’d like to request reasonable adjustments, please email [email protected] . Please note we only accept applications via email if an adjustment has been agreed.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 3rd February 2026

To ensure we can give each application the attention it deserves, we may consider bringing the closing date forward. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure it is considered.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and to sustaining a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages authenticity, and builds a deep sense of belonging. We encourage applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief as crafting value through diversity is what makes us strong.