Careers Editorial Services Specialist

Cambridge University Press & Assessment; Newtown; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic publisher in the UK is seeking an Editorial Services Specialist to support its Content Operations department. This hybrid role requires providing editorial services and managing a freelancer pool to ensure quality in Books and Journals. Candidates should have strong copy-editing and proofreading skills, coupled with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ideal for detail-oriented individuals with a commitment to excellence in publishing. Applications close on 3 February 2026.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Pension scheme

Life assurance up to 4x salary

Green travel schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in copy-editing and proofreading, ideally with academic content.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new technology and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide editorial services advice and instruction.
• Monitor quality of editorial services and provide feedback.
• Manage a pool of freelancers for quality assurance.

Skills

Communication skills

Copy-editing

Proofreading

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Overview

The Editorial Services Specialist assists the Content Management teams in managing copy-editorial, proofreading and indexing requirements, both in‑house and outsourced, and in resolving related issues. Content Operations is a global department producing a wide variety of content in both print and digital formats. The Editorial Services team operates in a fast-changing environment, and you will maintain a flexible approach to providing editorial services. You will evaluate the requirements of content entering production and monitor the work of freelancers and pre-press suppliers, assuring quality across Books and Journals while balancing schedules and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide editorial services advice and instruction
• Monitor the quality of editorial services and provide constructive feedback
• Assess manuscripts and prepare copy-editorial briefs
• Manage a pool of approximately 350 freelancers
• Collaborate with teams to ensure editorial quality across Books and Journals

This position has been classified as a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40–60% of their time collaborating face‑to‑face at their dedicated location. Aside from our hybrid principles, other flexible working requests will be considered from day one of employment, including other work arrangements for adjustments due to disability or long-term health conditions. Cambridge University Press & Assessment will not ordinarily provide sponsorship for vacancies of less than 12 months; applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Editorial Services Specialist to provide editorial services support to the Content Operations department in the Academic division of Cambridge University Press, working across Books and Journals. This is an exciting role for a detail‑oriented individual with experience in copy‑editing and proofreading. The successful candidate will be proactive, strong at building relationships both internally and externally, and have a high attention to detail.

Requirements

• Ability to adapt quickly to the challenges of new technology
• Strong communication skills
• Experience in copy-editing and proofreading, ideally academic content, and prior publishing experience
• Flexible approach to work and ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines
• Effective organisational and time-management skills, plus strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• High standard of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Acrobat

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of LaTeX, XML, HTML and ePub is desirable, but not essential

About the Employer and Recruitment Process

We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and part of the University of Cambridge. The closing date for all applications is 3 February 2026. We review applications on an ongoing basis, and shortlisted candidates can expect interviews to take place from the week commencing 16 February 2026. The interview process is designed to be clear and transparent. If shortlisted and progressed, you can expect a first and final stage virtual interview via MS Teams, with a role‑related task to be completed and returned by email in advance of your interview.

If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process due to a disability or long-term health condition, you may inform us via the online application form. Successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry. Applications must be submitted via our official online procedure. Please refrain from sending your CV directly to recruiters. For technical difficulties or additional support with submitting your online application, contact the Recruiter.

Why join us? You will belong to a collaborative team exploring new and better ways to serve students, teachers and researchers across the globe. Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where it is safe to speak up, and where we learn continuously to improve together. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics, and we emphasize diversity of thought, background and approach.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Group personal pension scheme
• Life assurance up to 4x annual salary
• Green travel schemes