Managing Editor, Vintage (12-month fixed term contract)

Are you organised, meticulous and experienced in project-managing editorial projects?

Vintage is a division of Penguin Random House, the world’s largest publisher. We are looking for a Managing Editor to  join the team for twelve months covering a period of secondment.

About Vintage

At Vintage, we are dedicated to bold publishing.

Our books encourage all sorts of readers all over the world to think differently in big and small ways. We make a book the best of its kind, with publishing expertise and world-class design. Our heritage gives us confidence to find the next big thing, knowing the most exceptional is yet to come.

Making books is a team effort, and whether that’s a team of two or eighty-two, we share every triumph. We pour care into our craft, our authors and each other – because there’s no limit to a good book.

About the role

We’re recruiting a Managing Editor to play a key part in bringing our books to life. You’ll oversee titles in first and second formats through all aspects of the editorial production process, working closely with the Editorial, Production and Design teams, as well as with external freelancers and our authors, to see titles through from manuscript to press, ensuring books are produced on the Vintage critical path.

You will be responsible for copy-editing and proofreading book jackets and covers and marketing material to the highest standard. You’ll support the implementation of Vintage house style across lists and in the standardisation of editorial processes and systems.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to have demonstrable experience of in-house desk- or copy-editing along with impeccable attention to detail, a sound knowledge of English grammar, and excellent proofreading abilities. You’ll also have strong communication skills to liaise effectively with authors, freelancers and colleagues.

About Penguin 

We’re the UK’s largest publisher, made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.

How to apply: Please apply with your CV & Cover Letter by 23:59 on Sunday 12th May.

Salary: Up to £35,000 depending on how your skills and experience align with the role.

Competitive benefits package: Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.

Our benefits include: 

• Financial – income protection, life assurance, childcare allowance

• Well-being – healthcare cash plan, critical illness cover, health checks

• Lifestyle – enhanced parental leave, tech scheme

 For our full benefits list please visit: www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/what-we-offer/

Hybrid working:  While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will come to our office in London two to three  days a week.

The recruitment process: you can read about our recruitment process at www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/how-we-hire/

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we're part of the ‘offer an interview’ scheme. This is where disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can opt in to get to the next recruitment stage. There may be some situations where the volume of applicants means we can't take all eligible candidates to interview.

We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request.

Please note, we are not able to accept agency CVs for this role. Any CVs sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee.