Commissioning Editor

In delivering social science that makes a difference in South Africa and the region the Research Units of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

HSRC Press is the publishing arm of the Human Sciences Research Council currently Africas leading publisher of independently evaluated peer-reviewed scholarly and academic works. Operating within the Research Impact Division we publish across three imprints spanning monographs edited collections textbooks open access titles and general trade non-fiction. Our mission is to translate rigorous research into transformative knowledge that shapes policy education and society across South Africa the continent and beyond.

We are looking for an experienced well-networked Commissioning Editor to build and steward a compelling balanced publishing list in the humanities and social sciences. This is a rare opportunity to occupy a genuinely strategic role at the intersection of scholarship policy and societal impact working with HSRC researchers independent authors and a global network of collaborators as well as with our independent Editorial Board. The ideal candidate brings deep subject knowledge publishing acumen entrepreneurial energy and digital publishing know-how to a role that spans both traditional and open access publishing workflows. This is a permanent position based in the HSRCs Pretoria office. The successful candidate is expected to begin tenure on 01 October 2026.

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

(Ref. Edit-Press 07/2026)

Pretoria

• Commissioning acquiring and managing new content across the humanities and social science disciplines ensuring quality and timely delivery;
• Working closely with the publishing director to identify new authors new editions and new titles to meet commissioning target outputs;
• Building business cases and collaborating with authors reviewers and stakeholders to deliver sustainable scholarly products
• Managing the end-to-end commissioning process including budgets contracts timelines and quality standards.
• Contributing to licensing agreement negotiations book subvention negotiations and subsidiary rights licensing to meet income and publishing targets.
• Conducting market and competitor research to inform commissioning decisions and product development for digital and open access formats.
• Supporting editorial sales and marketing initiatives by gathering customer feedback and contributing to go-to-market activities such as academic conferences book launches book festivals and webinars.
• Implementing digital workflows including approved AI tools to enhance editorial workflows handovers and marketing information.

Please register and submit your application on-line at Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site as well as to make applications for available vacancies; Candidates will be prompted to upload their CVs;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB there is an on-screen option to resize.

Your application must include:

1. A cover letter of motivation indicating your suitability for the position.
2. A detailed CV including your highest qualification citizenship.
3. Contact details for three recent referees (telephone/cell email and institutional affiliation).
4. Certified copies of your identity document and qualifications.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written assessment.

For further information about the HSRC or the post please consult our website (). Enquiries regarding the application process can be directed to Ms Aurelia Smith at and those relating to technical knowledge for the positions (NOT applications or CVs) may be directed to Ms Roshan Cader at

Closing date: 30 April 2026. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

• Have proven experience in commissioning and publishing (preferably in humanities and social science scholarship from Africa and the global South).
• Have solid project management skills with ability to deliver high-quality content on time and within budget.
• Have public-purpose benefit awareness and ability to align publishing initiatives with the HSRCs strategic objectives including open access publishing.
• Be analytical with experience gathering and applying customer market and competitor insights.
• Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills with authors reviewers and stakeholders.
• Be able to negotiate and manage contracts under guidance.
• Have experience using Generative AI including proactive use of technology and digital tools to enhance productivity and workflows.
• Be highly organised detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities independently while escalating key issues as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and detailed reporting on project progress.
• Adhere to company policies and protocols notably systems and administration.

• Qualifications & Experience:

  • Relevant Masters degree (NQF level 9) qualification in publishing studies or a cognate field will be advantageous.
  • A minimum of 5 years relevant experience in publishing
  • Excellent English language skills both written and spoken.
  • Bilingual in one South African language other than English would be advantageous.
  • An ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
  • Knowledge of the publishing industry is a requisite.
  • Good understanding of the open access publishing; the South African research accreditation system and the publishing dynamics in Africa and the Global South.

  • Attributes:

    • Displays subject expertise and scholarly judgement.
    • Market awareness and strategic acumen for list development.
    • Organisational drive and entrepreneurial energy.
    • Strong professional network and author relationships.
    Works accurately and effectively under pressure