Do you want to work for the most creative, dynamic and consumer-focussed publisher in children’s books? Would you like to work on the most successful licensed brands in publishing? Could you spot and acquire the next big thing for children?

We’re looking for an experienced, commercially minded, and creative Commissioning Editor to join our Ladybird Licensing team on a fixed term contract for 9 months.

The role

Reporting to the Editorial Director, you’ll be working closely with other editors as well as our design team on a wide range of story, activity, novelty and annual formats. You’ll be bursting with ideas on new trends, formats and concepts for our books. You’ll also be keen to develop relationships with licensors and agents, in search of the next emerging brand to add to our list.

You’ll be working with licensors, agents and freelancers externally, as well as editorial, design, production, sales and marketing colleagues internally in a fast-paced, deadline-driven and vibrant environment. As such, you must be flexible, pro-active, resilient, good under pressure and motivated, and able to use your own initiative in handling competing priorities. Being highly organised with a keen eye for detail and a good market knowledge and curiosity is a must.

Perhaps you’re an Editor looking for the next step in Children’s publishing, or have worked in similar licensing-based publishing fields.  We’re looking for some with demonstrable editorial experience and a proven track record of working on successful licensed publishing.

About the team

We’re a highly motivated team with a very exciting list, and we’re proud to publish the biggest preschool brands in the market: Peppa Pig, Bluey and Hey Duggee.

At Ladybird Licensing, we make story, novelty and activity books for some of the biggest brands in publishing.  We work across a range of formats on all our biggest brands, as well as keeping an eye out for promising new licensed properties.

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 telling us why you’re a great fit for the role by 23:59 on Wednesday 7th February.

In support of your application, please include no more than 200 words on which children’s brand you would like to publish against and why.

Salary: Circa £35,500 depending on how your experience and skills 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: 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 we expect you to come into the office in Embassy Gardens three days a 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'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.

Company: Penguin Books Limited 

Country: United Kingdom 

State/Region: London 

City: London 

Postal Code: SW11 7BW 

Job ID: 267552