Lawrence Wishart is an independent, radical publishers based in East London. We have been publishing critical left ideas on politics and culture since 1936. We were the first to translate the Marx and Engels Collected Works and Gramsci into English, and have been strongly associated with the ideas of Stuart Hall, whose work in the field of cultural studies has been so important for the development of left critical thinking.

The seven journals published by LW span a range of disciplines including cultural studies, politics, history and education. Our current work is focused on the areas of race, gender, communism, LGBTQ+ issues, intersectionality, climate justice and colonialism. The successful candidate must be able to evidence critical engagement with these subject areas, and be able to engage LW’s political heritage in developing the journals portfolio strategically for the future.

The role is interesting and varied, and offers the right candidate the scope to work with colleagues developing Lawrence Wishart’s content, profile and publication strategy. The Journals Manager will support the political and financial development of the company, and will have the opportunity to develop Lawrence Wishart’s strategic vision, with a view to growing the journal portfolio.

The ideal candidate will feel confident working in and co-managing a non-hierarchical structure. Creativity is essential, as is an ability to demonstrate good commercial awareness and the ability to develop and nurture relationships and partnerships. You will be proactive, happy making decisions and taking the initiative, as well as being prepared to be hands on and take on aspects of the practicalities involved in running a small business in a collegial, well-supported environment.

The Journals Manager will have oversight of the seven journals in the Lawrence Wishart portfolio (19 issues per year in total); each journal has an editorial board and designated copyeditor. The Journal Manager’s role is to attend board meetings, editorial boards, and ensure deadlines are met within the production process. We are looking for a politically astute, ambitious and motivated team player, with demonstrable experience combining long-term, strategic thinking with day-to-day oversight of production processes. Attention to detail, great communication and excellent organisational skills are essential. While a background in publishing is desirable, we are happy to consider candidates without this experience if they can demonstrate transferable skills from other areas and a commitment to LW’s values and heritage.

Benefits

Our benefits reflect our commitment to our employees, some of which include:

• 20 days paid holiday entitlement in year one (plus bank holidays), increasing a day each year up to 30 days.
• 35 hour week for full time employees
• Christmas office closure from 24th December to 2nd January
• Flexible, hybrid home and office working
• Cycle to Work scheme
• 50% Discount on books and free copies of journals
• Funding for professional development
• Professional mentoring from an LW board member

We offer hybrid home/office working but also commit to working together regularly from our Chadwell Heath office at mutually agreed times, not more than once a week at present.

To Apply

If you have any questions, or if you wish to discuss this position further, please feel free to contact the team on hr@lwbooks.co.uk you can also see the full job description here. If you are interested in applying for this position please forward a copy of your CV and a cover letter (no more than two sides of A4) to: hr@lwbooks.co.uk. Your covering letter should explain how you meet the essential and desirable knowledge, skills and experience in the person specification. Applications that do not include a covering letter will not be considered.

Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out.

Deadline for applications: 22nd March 2022

Interview dates: week commencing 28th March 2022 (via Zoom)

Despite our best efforts it is not always possible to respond to every application individually due to the high volume of responses, therefore only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for this role, and if you have not heard from us within 10 days, please assume you have not been successful.