Editorial Director, Ladybird

Do you want to work for the most creative, dynamic and consumer-focussed publisher in children’s books?  Do you want to part of a team that is focused on growth through publishing exceptional and bestselling children’s books? Are you full of energy and ideas for new picture books, innovative formats, new takes on non-fiction and fresh writing and illustration talent? We’re looking for a creative and ambitious Editorial Director, hungry to find new authors and illustrators to create best-selling picture books, novelty and non-fiction to help us significantly grow the Ladybird list. 

About Ladybird 

Ladybird is the home of the multi-million-copy-selling Ten Minutes to Bed series, as well as Baby Touch, Topsy and Tim and award-winning author–illustrator Kim Hillyard. We publish books for children aged 0–7 years old, from touch-and-feel books for babies and globally successful novelty series such as Uh-Oh Niko, to picture books for pre-schoolers, plus critically acclaimed non-fiction such as My Skin, Your Skin and Everything Under the Sun. 

The Opportunity 

Your role is to work closely with the Publisher to grow the list, seeking out and acquiring picture book author and illustrator talent to grow our Ladybird picture book list; create and build new novelty series and help us grow our non-fiction publishing. Above all we are looking for an exceptionally talented, creative picture book editor, with proven track record of creating bestsellers, excellent knowledge of the UK and rights markets, confident negotiator, with strong agent and author relationships. You will report to the Publisher and work closely with them to shape the direction of the list. You will also manage one or two members of the editorial team as well as working very closely with our talented Art Director and team of designers on new acquisitions and book creation. 

Candidate Profile 

The ideal candidate will be a picture book expert, with strong market knowledge and a proven track record of spotting and building talent. Additional experience of novelty and/or colour non-fiction publishing would be an advantage. They will have an established network of existing agent and author relationships and excellent negotiating skills. We want someone who can make an impact quickly, working across a wide range of formats as well as pitching new ideas for the list. 

This role will work with authors, writers and agents externally, as well as editorial, design, production, sales, rights and marketing colleagues internally in a fast-paced and vibrant environment. As such, you must be communicative, flexible, pro-active and motivated, and able to use your initiative in handling competing priorities. Being highly organised with a keen eye for detail is a must. Previous line management experience would be beneficial. 

Application instructions 

Please apply with CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by midnight on 15th September 2024.  

What you can expect from us  

Salary: circa £50,000, dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.   

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 – discounted shopping, season ticket loan, rental deposit loan   

• Wellbeing – healthcare cash plan, employee assistance, gym loan   

• Lifestyle – taste card, tech scheme, free and discounted books   

For our full benefits list please visit: https://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. The Children’s department typically work in the office three days per week.  

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.   

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

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. Essential criteria are listed in bold as part of the candidate profile section. You must also follow the application instructions in full. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot 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.