Technical Publications Administrator

Planet Recruitment; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Recruitment seeks a Technical Publications Administrator in Abingdon to turn complex mechanical and electronic information into practical instructions. You will create and maintain IFUs, service manuals, and production procedures for medical devices, with a strong focus on accuracy and clear communication.

Reporting to the Technical Publications Manager, you will manage document reviews, apply QMS processes, and coordinate translations and printing.

Qualifications

• Experience producing technical documentation with clear English.
• Desktop-publishing capability, including page layout and image manipulation, plus Word/Excel.
• Ability to understand and communicate information about mechanical and electronic products.
• Strong organisation and the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Create, revise and improve IFUs, user manuals, service manuals, datasheets and work instructions.
• Gather regulatory information and verify procedures with colleagues across the business.
• Coordinate reviews and approvals, manage updates through change control and maintain records.
• Photograph production processes and create clear assembly and test procedures with visuals.
• Prepare files for external printing and support in-house printing of documentation.
• Apply templates and branding, and assist with publications administration.

Skills

Technical writing

Attention to detail

Word & Excel

Desktop publishing

Communication skills

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

CAD drawings

Job description

Position: Technical Publications Administrator

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Abingdon

Salary: 28,000 - 35,000 per annum

The employer works with medical devices and associated products, where clear, accurate documentation supports safe use, consistent production and effective servicing. This role offers the opportunity to turn complex mechanical and electronic information into practical instructions that people can confidently follow.

As a Technical Publications Administrator you will work within Technical Publications, collaborating with New Product Development, Quality and Regulatory, Production, Engineering and other subject matter experts. Your objective will be to create, maintain and publish accurate, compliant documentation, from Instructions for Use (IFUs) and service manuals to production procedures, datasheets and product artwork.

Reporting to the Technical Publications Manager, you will take ownership of assigned work and follow established Publications and Quality Management System (QMS) processes. Following appropriate training, you will work independently, managing documents through review, approval and publication. The position has no direct reports.

Main Responsibilities:

• Create, revise and continuously improve IFUs, user manuals, service manuals, datasheets, production procedures and work instructions.
• Gather and verify technical information and applicable regulatory requirements with colleagues across the business, ensuring procedures accurately reflect approved production practices.
• Coordinate document reviews and approvals, manage updates through formal change control and maintain supporting records.
• Observe and photograph production processes, turning the information into clear assembly and test procedures supported by photographs, illustrations and other visual aids.
• Create and update technical illustrations, product artwork, labels and symbols, and proofread, edit and format documents using desktop-publishing software.
• Arrange external translations, reviewing and reformatting translated documentation as required.
• Prepare files for external printing, check printer proofs and support in-house printing of user manuals and other documentation needed by Production.
• Apply company templates, style guides and branding consistently, while supporting routine Publications administration, ordering stationery and supplies, and undertaking related activities within your capabilities.

About You:

• You will bring strong written English, excellent attention to detail and a practical approach to explaining technical information. Experience in technical writing, technical publications or procedure writing is essential, alongside the confidence to question, clarify and verify information with technical specialists.
• You should be comfortable managing several tasks, following work through to completion and taking responsibility for accuracy. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, together with a good understanding of page layout and image manipulation using desktop-publishing software, is required.
• Experience in a regulated or quality-controlled industry, particularly medical devices, would be valuable. Familiarity with QMS, document control and change control would also be useful, as would experience creating technical illustrations or working with CAD drawings. Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or similar software experience is desirable.

Required:

• Experience producing technical documentation or procedures, with clear and accurate written English.
• Desktop-publishing capability, including page layout and image manipulation, plus competence in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• The ability to understand and communicate information about mechanical and electronic products.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and own assigned tasks.

Key Words:

Technical Publications Writer, Technical Author, Technical Writer, Medical Devices, IFUs, Technical Documentation, Work Instructions, Service Manuals, Desktop Publishing, QMS, Document Control.

Planet Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the position.