Role summary / purpose
This role supports Bauer’s editorial and syndication activity by accurately keywording and captioning images, maintaining rights and usage information, and assisting with image licensing and content syndication administration. The role helps ensure content is discoverable for reuse, licensing is cleared and documented, and reporting is maintained for internal stakeholders and external partners.
Key responsibilities
1. Image keywording and metadata: Apply accurate keywords, captions, credits and other metadata to images so they are searchable and reusable across Bauer brands and platforms.
2. Rights and permissions administration: Record and maintain rights information (., permitted uses, territories, terms, embargoes, credit requirements, restrictions) and flag gaps or uncertainties for escalation.
3. Licensing support: Assist with processing image licensing requests (internal and external), tracking requests through to approval, ensuring required information is captured, and supporting timely delivery of assets.
4. Syndication support: Support the syndication workflow by preparing content packages, confirming usage terms, coordinating with editorial stakeholders, and responding to partner queries in line with agreed processes.
5. Supplier/partner liaison: Communicate with picture agencies, photographers, contributors and syndication partners on rights queries, permissions, credits, invoices and usage reporting (as directed).
6. Usage tracking and reporting: Maintain logs of licensed/syndicated usage and produce periodic reports for stakeholders (., usage summaries, partner reporting, budget/fee tracking).
7. Quality control: Check that mandatory fields are completed (caption, credit, source, rights notes) and that metadata is consistent with Bauer standards.
8. Process and compliance support: Follow Bauer policies and workflows for rights clearance, data handling and record-keeping; escalate risks (., unclear ownership, missing releases, high fees, restrictive terms).
9. Continuous improvement: Suggest improvements to metadata standards, controlled vocabularies/keyword lists, templates and tracking tools to increase efficiency and consistency.
Skills and experience
10. Experience in image libraries, photo desks, content operations, publishing, or digital asset management (DAM) environments.
11. Strong attention to detail and ability to apply consistent metadata standards at pace.
12. Understanding of image rights and licensing concepts (., copyright, moral rights/credits, model/property releases, usage restrictions, territories, duration, exclusivity) – or willingness to learn quickly.
13. Good written communication skills for captions, partner emails and internal updates.
14. Confident managing multiple requests, prioritising deadlines, and keeping accurate records.
15. Comfortable handling commercial information such as fees, invoices and basic budget tracking (where applicable).
Systems / tools (desirable)
16. Digital Asset Management (DAM) or content management systems (CMS).
17. Metadata/controlled vocabulary tagging and basic taxonomy principles.
18. Excel (or similar) for tracking logs and reporting.
19. Basic image file handling and formats (., resolution, file naming, delivery standards).
20. Key stakeholders / working relationships
21. Works closely with Editorial teams, Syndication, and Legal & Licensing to ensure images and content are correctly coded, cleared, and supplied. Liaises with external agencies, photographers and syndication partners as required.
Governance, risk and confidentiality
Handles rights information and partner communications carefully and in line with Bauer processes. Ensures that images are not supplied or reused unless rights/permissions are confirmed and properly documented, and escalates any uncertainty promptly. Maintains confidentiality of commercial terms and any personal data that may arise (., contributor details) in line with applicable policies.
Typical outputs / measures of success (examples)
22. High accuracy and consistency of metadata/keywording and credits.
23. Licensing/syndication requests processed on time with complete documentation.
24. Clear, auditable rights notes and usage logs.
25. Reduced time for editorial teams to find and reuse suitable assets.
26. Positive feedback from internal stakeholders and external partners on responsiveness and quality.