Production Editor – Magazine

We are seeking an experienced Production Editor to oversee the editorial production of a monthly magazine. The successful candidate will manage schedules, coordinate editorial workflows, edit and proofread content, liaise with contributors and designers, and ensure each issue is published to the highest standards and on deadline.

• Based near Reigate
• £40,000 – £45,000 (DOE)
• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm
• Hybrid working (3 days office)
• 25 days holiday + bank holiday
• International travel (essential)

Key Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Managing Editor
• Manage the end-to-end flatplan production schedule for monthly print and digital magazine issues.
• Coordinate the flow of articles, images, advertisements, and other content between editorial, design, and production teams.
• Copy-edit and proofread content for grammar, style, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to house style guidelines.
• Ensure all content meets editorial, legal, and ethical standards.
• Liaise with writers, editors, designers, photographers, printers, and external suppliers.
• Track deadlines and ensure timely completion of all production stages.
• Review page proofs and sign off final versions before publication.
• Maintain and update editorial style guides and production procedures.
• Verify captions, headlines, credits, and fact-check material where required.
• Manage corrections, revisions, and version control throughout the production cycle.
• Ensure image permissions, copyright clearances, and contributor agreements are in place.
• Assist in digital publishing activities, including website uploads and content management systems, where applicable.
• Identify and resolve production issues to minimize delays.
• Travel both internationally and within the UK for editorial assignments, international conferences and webinars.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Publishing, English, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience in magazine publishing, editorial production, or a similar role.
• Excellent command of written English.
• Strong understanding of editorial standards and publishing workflows.
• Proficient in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional copy-editing and proofreading skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative team-working skills.

Experience

• Typically 3–5 years' experience in editorial production, magazine publishing, or related publishing environments.
• Proven experience coordinating production schedules and working to strict deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time publication of magazine issues.
• Accuracy and quality of published content.
• Minimal production errors and corrections.
• Adherence to budgets and schedules.
• Efficient coordination across editorial and production teams.

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Please note that if you have not been contacted within 5 working days, then unfortunately on this occasion your CV has not been shortlisted.

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Optima Recruitment Limited are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy and are an equal opportunities employer.