Manager, Editorial Publishing

Oversees all aspects of the book editorial and content development process, supporting and collaborating with the licensed publishing team and the wider consumer products business. Working closely with global publishing licensees, it drives the development of best-in-class, engaging and inclusive editorial, product development content and revenue-driving publishing plans that reflect industry and consumer trends, product innovations, marketing, retail-specific opportunities and overall consumer products and studio initiatives. It requires a thorough knowledge of WBD brands and franchises, strong writing and editing skills and a finger on the pulse of what fans want.

• Execute WBDCP and Global Licensed Publishing strategies, goals and revenue objectives
• Own all aspects of the book editorial and content development process, including review and approval of global publishing submissions through StarLabs in direct consultation with Product Development and Category, the development and procurement of creative assets, and securing feedback
• Clearances and approvals from internal and external stakeholders across marketing, PR, retail, digital, finance, legal and theatrical
• Directly manage global publishing licensees to develop product assortments and execute closely curated publishing plans that reflect consumer trends, revenue growth, product innovations, and brand and franchise initiatives
• Drive the improvement and evolution of publishing planning, the content library and processes for greater efficiencies and revenue
• Drive the management of content creative needs, meeting deadlines and budgets
• Collaborate with Category in developing and executing publishing strategies, pitching opportunities, and managing licensees, retail, marketing and PR opportunities
• Manage the publishing databases on Airtable, including the master publishing plan, co-edition deal tracker, global catalog and digital files library
• Identify, develop and execute new business initiatives to address white space opportunities
• Interface frequently with management, cross-functional teams and third-party stakeholders, providing business updates, formal internal and external presentations, and budgeting and strategy discussions
• Analyse book, publishing and competitive industry sales data, key learnings, trends and product innovations to identify revenue opportunities and white space

• Minimum 5 plus years of experience in the book publishing industry
• BA degree in English, communications, journalism, marketing or a related field
• Proven and effective written and oral communication and presentation skills, with a detailed and results-oriented approach
• Proven and effective interpersonal skills and the ability to develop relationships with internal and external partners, tailoring communications to various audiences
• Proven ability to develop book, comics and magazine publishing content, with knowledge of licensing and the entertainment industry relating to book publishing, consumer products, studio entertainment, film, animation, television and gaming
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively cross-functionally, with senior management, synergy divisions, external partners and third-party stakeholders
• Ability to multi-task, prioritise and reprioritise, demonstrating flexibility and effectiveness when faced with changing schedules or priorities
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with sharp attention to detail
• Strong strategy, digital and analytical skills
• Proven ability to execute strategic and operational plans
• Strong and varied computer software knowledge (for example Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, Airtable, Teams and Zoom)
• Knowledge of the retail landscape, including key retailers, buying cycles and the sell-in process
• A driven individual who is a team player, curious, results oriented and willing to challenge the status quo

• A background in entertainment licensing

• Health insurance coverage
• Employee wellness programme
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays, sick time and vacation
• Annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and programme-specific awards may form part of the total compensation package