Senior Commissioning Editor/Editorial Director (12 month FTC)
Who we are and what we do
Part of the Little, Brown Book Group, Robinson is a leading non-fiction imprint home to million-copy bestsellers, must-reads and books that make things happen. The narrative list is in an exciting period of growth and publishes books that illuminate extraordinary life stories, lead cultural conversations, open doors to big subjects and entertain along the way. From fresh perspectives in pop culture, nature and true crime, to powerful memoir and talking-point ideas, this is the commercial heartland of Robinson.
Little, Brown's identity is personified by our innovative, dynamic and free-thinking people. Across our thirteen imprints, you won't find a wider range of titles anywhere in UK publishing. We pride ourselves on quality and diversity. A repeat recipient of the Publisher of the Year award, we're one of the most successful and dynamic publishers in the UK.
Little, Brown is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 12 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.
What you'll be doing
We're seeking a dynamic, creative, commercial Senior Commissioning Editor/ Editorial Director of narrative non-fiction to cover a period of parental leave at Little, Brown's Robinson imprint.
Working within a collaborative, supportive and successful team, you will be an enthusiastic champion of your books from conception through to publication and beyond – collaborating closely with marketing, publicity, sales and rights. You will have strong relationships within the industry and be proactive in seeking out new projects, both via literary agents and more widely. Day-to-day, you’ll be handling agent/author care and delivering books on time and on budget, but the role also requires your own ideas and contacts for commissioning and acquiring titles of distinction that are fresh, commercial and relevant, while working with existing Robinson authors and ensuring a profitable list is delivered.
Who we are looking for
If you're an ambitious commissioner who is passionate about commercial narrative non-fiction with a fresh approach, this role could be for you. We’re looking for someone who is strong at steering books editorially (with exemplary author care and attention to detail), but also someone capable of motivating the teams around them and driving commercial success.
What we offer
Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:
- 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
- Private medical insurance
- Generous pension schemes
- Rent deposit loans
- 2 community days per year
- Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
- Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Wide-ranging training library
- Development programmes (including mentoring)
- Up to 70% off book purchases
- A charity bookshelf
- 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
- Season ticket loans
- And much more!
This role can be based at our London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.
Our commitment
Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.
If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.
The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org