Publisher - Non-fiction, Puffin (Penguin Random House Children's)

Are you excited by big ideas, interesting people and the latest trends? Do you love the idea of bringing these to children and families around the world? Are you fascinated by the breadth and depth of opportunity in the Children’s non-fiction market?  

Puffin are looking for a Publisher to lead our non-fiction strategy, in support of the  Publishing Directors. This is a brand-new position that will play a critical role in fuelling the rapid growth of our non-fiction list, which includes bestsellers such as Adam Kay, Susie Dent, Sathnam Sanghera and Scarlett Curtis. 

We’re looking for someone commercially minded, with a fantastic eye for consumer and market trends who will lead our team to deliver standout non-fiction publishing - from colour non-fiction picture books right through to conversation-starting young adult and crossover titles.  

This role will directly manage two Senior Commissioning Editors, for colour and mono non-fiction, and reports to the Publishing Director for Puffin Non-fiction and 6+ Fiction.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the acquisition, commissioning and publishing of titles to enhance the reputation of Puffin non-fiction  

• Maintain market awareness in order to adapt to changing markets and seek out new non-fiction publishing opportunities to appeal to a wide range of consumers 

• Deliver the Puffin non-fiction strategy and lead the Editorial team to meet growth and profitability targets, in support of the other Publishers, team Publishing Director and Puffin’s overall Publishing Director 

• Empower the non-fiction editorial team to experiment confidently and deliver high-quality, market-leading publishing  

• Build and develop author brands, and ensure that reputation and quality is maintained during all dealings with agents and authors/illustrators 

• Negotiate, or oversee, author contracts, consistent with commercial objectives  

• Build excellent relationships with other departments including design, publicity, sales and marketing  

• Partner with the rights team to grow our presence as a global go-to non-fiction publisher 

Candidate Profile 

• Growth-driven and passionate about the opportunity to both predict and respond quickly to consumer demand 

• Strategic mindset, able to balance long term goals with shorter priorities and context, and be able to bring the wider team with you 

• Track record of successful commissioning and publishing of non-fiction titles 

• Experience in the children’s market is helpful, a deep interest in it is essential, including awareness of and curiosity about consumer and market trends 

• Excellent relationship-building and author/illustrator/agent care skills 

• Inclusive manager with the ability to build productive relationships with editorial colleagues and colleagues across other departments at all levels 

• Calm and confident negotiator who can manage difficult conversations constructively 

• An excellent listener, able to respond to feedback and is curious about adapting to changing circumstances 

• Proven line-management experience, able to inspire and support whilst setting clear expectations  

What you can expect from us: 

Salary: up to £65,000 depending 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 – 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:  

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.  

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. 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.