Description of role:

To work with the Head - Print (& blended) Portfolio in the effective implementation of the strategic approach towards creating, designing, delivering and servicing innovative print and digital solutions for the HE English function (HE and School ELT products).

Job purpose

• Portfolio management: The role is of managing a portfolio of products (print and digital) within the English Language Teaching vertical targeted at both adult (HEIs) learners as well as young learners (K-12). The primary focus is to act as the Project Lead, overseeing product structure, syllabus relevance, market gap analysis, print and digital content development, instructional design, and collaborating closely with the various liaisons to assure successful project management.
• Product development: To study market demands and conceive new print and digital products, manage editorial schedules, commission work (to freelance editors or content developers), coordinate editorial procedures, uphold quality standards (including copyright permissions), understand technology platforms and LMS requirements, and thereby contribute to the successful implementation of strategies and development of the English vertical (ELT – HE and Schools).
• Product lifecycle management: The role will involve market research to conceive the right product, which fills a market gap, and then systematically manage the entire lifecycle of the product from conception and ideation to design and launch and then to service and support the product post launch and to plan revised versions in the future.
• Product support and service: The role involves travel to enable sales by creating and delivering product orientation sessions both for teachers and learners. Travel regularly with the business development teams for product pitches and demo sessions. Work on marketing collaterals, commissioning and training of master trainers, pre- and post-sales training and product walkthroughs for customers, teachers, decision makers from HEIs and Schools and internal training and walkthroughs for sales and marketing colleagues.
• The Portfolio Manager will also be responsible for creating, maintaining and growing a pool of freelance content editors as well as content developers.
• The role will require an understanding of budgeting and P&L management to be able to construct a relevant strategy for the assigned portfolio.
• The role will also involve author commissioning (if it is part of the specific portfolio assigned to the individual).
• The Portfolio Manager is also expected to be a competent user of the Publishing System and typically have familiarity with the Cambridge One Learning Management System and other platforms.
• The role also involves frequent contact with Regional Sales Managers, the Business Head, Senior Publishing Manager and the Publishing Head.
• Periodic to frequent contact with the Product Marketing team on research, market development, piloting, and product launches for HE and School products.
• Periodic contact with the Sales team, for visits to markets and to build an understanding of market needs. The Portfolio Manager will also be responsible for conducting pre- and post-sales training sessions for both sales colleagues as well as clients along with product walk-throughs of HE and School products.
• Periodic contact with Legal and finance teams for project related concerns.

Principal Accountabilities

• Content development (print and digital): In collaboration with Head - Print (& bended) Portfolio, act as Project Lead on allocated projects – develop/refine course syllabi where required, determine scope and sequence, and approach to content , create clear and effective briefs for authors / writers on project(s) and liaise with them as well as freelance editors during content development, to ensure pedagogical effectiveness, market appropriateness, consistency, accuracy, legal acceptability, and appropriate realization of the agreed intent of the work.

• Lifecycle management: Take the idea from conception, design, production to an MVP and finally from there to sales, support and ultimate retirement with a plan for revision and updates for both print and digital products.

• Research and commissioning: In collaboration with Head - Print (& bended) Portfolio and Regional Sales Managers, maintain familiarity with relevant target markets by undertaking market research to scout for potential projects; identify appropriate authors /writers from HE and School space; and evaluate and develop proposals with authors / writers in consultation with external reviewers and in-house colleagues.

• Sales enablement: Conduct regular trainings for sales colleagues as well as clients (pre- and post-sales). Assume overall responsibility for the successful launch of the product.

• Support and servicing: Create content for TSPs, marketing collaterals, webinars and other support programs. This will include training of master trainer as well as conducting training sessions for internal and external presenters.

Knowledge and Experience

• 7+ years of experience in publishing
• At least 4 years of experience of working on digital/e-learning products for higher education and schools
• Comprehensive understanding of higher education and school education policies
• Copy-editing and proofreading expertise
• Experience of having taken part in various ELT conferences to interact with faculty from various universities, colleges and schools
• Experience of conducting market research and development, conceptualizing products that meet market needs, and creating projects accordingly.

Educational / Professional Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in English
• Certificate in publishing / ELT will be an added advantage

Selection

By written test and interview

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where it's safe to speak up, and where we learn continuously to improve together. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics (age, disability, educational attainment, ethnicity, gender, marital status, neurodiversity, religion, sex, and sexual identity), cultural, or social class/background.

We believe that diversity of thought, background, and approach create better outcomes. More importantly, fostering an inclusive culture is the right thing to do, and it's part of how we achieve our purpose: to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. Ensuring that anyone, no matter who they are, feels they belong here is an essential part of who we are and the contribution we make to society, and to our planet.

To enable an environment which our people can thrive in, our customers benefit from, and where work complements life, we empower everyone to manage their time and capacity, and to prioritise their wellbeing. That's why from day one everyone at Cambridge University Press & Assessment can discuss flexible working options to find the best solution for them and their role.

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