Development Editor

Working within the Publishing Content Development team, the Development Editor has day-to-day responsibility for content development from initial writing brief to publication, ensuring that all material is of an appropriate quality and fully aligned to the publishing vision of the Commissioning Editor and Publisher. The Development Editor may also commission ancillary items under the guidance of the Commissioning or Senior Development Editor. The role involves extensive cross-functional liaison with the concept development and content delivery teams to create material which meets the needs of the key audience and is published on schedule and within budget.

Must Have

• Day-to-day responsibility for content development from initial writing brief to publication
• Ensure material is of appropriate quality and fully aligned to the publishing vision
• Commission ancillary items under the guidance of the Commissioning or Senior Development Editor
• Extensive cross-functional liaison with concept development and content delivery teams
• Prepare author briefs for specific projects, in light of market research
• Support in the identification of potential authors, contributors and external content creators
• Understand contract terms and budget for external contributors
• Work with authors to develop material which follows the brief
• Oversee external content creators and ensure content meets required standard
• Provide feedback to authors/contributors, suggesting appropriate action
• Alert the project team to any content development issues
• Understand the budgeting process and financial implications of making changes
• Attend audio recordings, video/photo shoots and photo selection meetings
• Create artwork, design and digital specification briefs, style sheets, page plans and asset briefs
• Deal with overmatter (print and digital)
• Understand the processes involved in rights clearance
• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Formal ELT/TEFL qualification
• Demonstrable ELT/EFL teaching experience, in a primary setting
• Appreciation for a wide international range of teaching and learning situations
• Excellent written English
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and to manage numerous tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A positive attitude and commitment to aims of the company
• Excellent team-working and organisational skills
• Experience of working with a range of new media and digital projects

Good to Have

• Knowledge of ELT markets and segments
• Appreciation for a wide international range of teaching and learning situations
• Understanding of publishing technologies
• Knowledge of a second language
• A working understanding of content management systems

Job Title: Development Editor

Full-time, Fixed Term Contract

Organisation: Macmillan Education

Location(s): Madrid or London – Hybrid Working model

Application Deadline: 30th November 2025

About Springer Nature Group

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.

About The Brand and Journal

Macmillan Education provides world-class content in the most relevant, engaging and flexible formats to support students, teachers and institutions in lifelong learning.

Visit macmillaneducation.com and follow @MacmillanEducation / @MacmillanELT

About the Role

Working within the Publishing Content Development team, the Development Editor has day-to-day responsibility for content development from initial writing brief to publication, ensuring that all material is of an appropriate quality and fully aligned to the publishing vision of the Commissioning Editor and Publisher. The Development Editor may also commission ancillary items under the guidance of the Commissioning or Senior Development Editor. The role involves extensive cross-functional liaison with the concept development and content delivery teams to create material which meets the needs of the key audience and is published on schedule and within budget.

Role Responsibilities:

Content/manuscript development

• Work with the Commissioning Editor and / or Senior Development Editor to prepare author briefs for specific projects, in light of market research.
• Support in the identification of potential authors, contributors and external content creators.
• Understand contract terms and budget for external contributors, ensuring correct procedures are followed.
• Work with authors to develop material which follows the brief and is aligned to different output formats.
• Take responsibility for overseeing external content creators and ensuring the content meets the required standard.
• Provide feedback to authors/contributors, suggesting appropriate action to ensure content meets the brief, with the support of the Commissioning Editor / Senior Development Editor where necessary.
• Alert the project team to any content development issues to ensure delivery is on time and within budget.
• Understand the budgeting process and financial implications of making changes.
• Attend audio recordings, video/photo shoots and photo selection meetings to ensure outputs adhere to the brief / project specification.
• Create artwork, design and digital specification briefs, as well as style sheets, page plans and asset briefs.
• Deal with overmatter (print and digital), commenting on issues and feeding back appropriately.
• Understand the processes involved in rights clearance.

Personal development

• Keep up to date on ELT/EFL issues, undertake background reading and attending conferences as appropriate.
• Use and develop existing skills and participating in in-house/external training sessions.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Formal ELT/TEFL qualification
• Demonstrable ELT/EFL teaching experience, in a primary setting
• Appreciation for a wide international range of teaching and learning situations
• Excellent written English
• An ability to work to tight deadlines and to manage numerous tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A positive attitude and commitment to aims of the company
• Excellent team-working and organisational skills
• Experience of working with a range of new media and digital projects

Desirable

• Knowledge of ELT markets and segments
• Appreciation for a wide international range of teaching and learning situations
• Understanding of publishing technologies
• Knowledge of a second language
• A working understanding of content management systems

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish.

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://careers.springernature.com/

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