Editorial Director, Penguin Press (12 month FTC)

We have a rare opportunity to join Penguin Press as Editorial Director working across non-fiction.

This opportunity is offered on a 12-month fixed term contract, covering a period of parental leave for a Publishing Director from late August/early September. For the right candidate, we would be willing to consider a 4-day working week.

About Penguin Press
Penguin Press is a leading publisher of titles ranging from lasting works on economics, science, history and politics to poetry, illustrated books and classics. Penguin Press is made up of the Allen Lane, Pelican, Particular Books, Poetry and Penguin Classics imprints.

This role’s remit will primarily be across Allen Lane, with a few titles on Pelican.

The Opportunity 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative, dynamic Editorial Director to project manage a large list of exceptional non-fiction authors.

Reporting into the Managing Director of Penguin Press, and responsible for line managing three members of the editorial team, this role’s primary responsibility will be to ensure the best-in-class publishing of the existing list, which has a focus on science, nature, psychology, economics and both narrative and ideas-driven non-fiction.  You can expect to be working with academics, journalists and experts, including authors like David Spiegelhalter, Thomas Halliday, Lindsey Fitzharris,  Ha-Joon Chang, Nate Silver and Gaia Vince.

You’ll also be responsible for overseeing new projects from existing authors and being the voice of these books across the division; there may be a possibility of select commissioning for the right candidate.  You’ll liaise with internal departments including marketing, publicity, rights and sales and provide outstanding author care.

Candidate Profile 

 The following qualities are essential: 

• A proven track record in editing and publishing non-fiction

• An interest in a wide range of ideas- and narrative-driven non-fiction, from psychology to tech, science to economics

• Exceptional and proven author care

• Line management experience and confidence acting as a mentor and guide.

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 2nd June.

Salary: Circa £55,000 depending on how your skills and experience align with the role, plus benefits.  This would be prorated if accepted on a 4-day working week.

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

• Wellbeing - healthcare cash plan, critical illness cover, health checks

• Lifestyle – enhanced parental leave, tech scheme,

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

Hybrid working: We’re experimenting with a hybrid way of working that suits the needs of each team. 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, some meetings will need to be attended in person at our offices in Pimlico on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please note that over the course of 2024 all of our London-based teams will permanently relocate to our Embassy Gardens office in Nine Elms. We’ll be happy to answer any questions on this as part of the interview process.

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'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 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.