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- Tasks: Lead the commissioning and publishing of unique illustrated non-fiction titles.
- Company: Join Pavilion, an innovative imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, wellness programmes, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of publishing with creative freedom and a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Proven editorial skills and strong industry connections are essential.
- Other info: Access unlimited training and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location Hybrid London, UK 3+ days office based
Seniority Senior
- Closing:11:59pm, 23rd Oct 2025 BST
Perks and benefits
- Work from home option
- Wellness programs
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Mentoring/coaching
- Cycle to work scheme
Candidate happiness
8.66 (32024)
Job Description Introduction to the role
Pavilion is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, specialising in illustrated non-fiction full-colour publishing across food and drink, craft and lifestyle, gift, and popular culture. We create confidently unique titles and take pride in establishing a strong identity for each book through our integrated editorial and design team.
Our ambition is to publish evergreen titles with strong backlist potential, discover authors, and assist them in building their brands, all while being trend-aware and publishing in a timely manner. This commissioning role requires a clear understanding of the full-colour non-fiction market, the ability to spot trends and identify publishing opportunities for the list, and the chance to work with an ambitious, collaborative team.
Desirable candidates will possess excellent contacts with a wide range of agents, authors, ghostwriters, talent managers, etc., with whom we can develop publishing partnerships, as well as a proven track record of publishing successful, bestselling titles in the aforementioned categories. The role will suit digitally savvy and commercially astute candidates who demonstrate initiative and energy, are excited to think creatively about how we commission and publish our books, and have the ability to develop and implement a profitable publishing strategy across a diverse range of titles. Line management experience and skills are highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Editorial:
- To commission, edit and publish titles successfully and profitably for the Pavilion list
- To read and respond promptly to agent submissions
- Build relationships with agents, with a view to bringing in the best talent to Pavilion
- Ownership of and main point of contact for your own stable of authors
- To maintain strong relationships with authors and agents, providing regular updates on publishing strategy, campaign, sell in and sell out for ongoing authors
- To work closely with the production team, desk editor and pub ops manager to keep titles on critical path
- Understanding and wider reading of international commercial non fiction market, ensuring strong knowledge and market focused publishing strategies
- Briefing jackets and liaising with designers, seeing covers through from start to finish
- Copywriting, creating and checking sales/marketing material, e.g. catalogues, sales presenters, etc.
- Clear direction of metadata/AIs for individual authors, ensuring this fits with emerging trends in the market, and is completed in line with critical path
- Writing cover/catalogue copy as required
- Presenting titles at monthly International, Rights, Sales and Marketing meetings
- To create deal memos and ensure contracts completed for each acquisition
- To delegate effectively when required, supporting the growth and development of junior staff
- Publicity & Marketing:
- Work closely with the in house Publicity & Marketing teams to ensure maximum exposure for authors and titles, according to agreed priority list
- Work in conjunction with the Publicity & Marketing teams on author events/launches where necessary
- Attend launches and festivals as required
Skills Required
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial publishing talent and commercial awareness
- List building and strategic skills
- Good team player, willing to carry through projects
- Global thinker – someone able to think \’beyond the book\’ and help us develop digital, international and audio sales
- Excellent communicator (presentations) and writer (catalogue, cover copy)
- Proven editorial skills including four colour illustrated publishing
- Detail orientated and cost aware
- Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)
Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
Private healthcare cover and life assurance
Summer Hours
Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal
Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme
Relocation Rent Support Loan
Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work
Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes
Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers
Onsite physiotherapy (London only)
Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days
Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice)
With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire
Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books
Subsidised canteen and retail discounts
Onsite prayer room
At HarperCollins, we value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of all applications, we ask that all responses to assessment questions reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and capabilities. This allows us to fairly assess your knowledge, skills, and experience to determine how they align with the role. We value diverse perspectives and genuine contributions, even if answers are not perfect. The use of AI tools or external assistance to generate responses is discouraged unless explicitly permitted for specific tasks.
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to with subject heading \’Vacancy Query\’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.
Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.
Editorial Director, Pavilion employer: Be Applied Ltd
Contact Detail:
Be Applied Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Director, Pavilion
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the publishing industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to authors and agents. Building those relationships can open doors for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for publishing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about the latest trends you’ve spotted and how you’d approach commissioning new titles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent publications. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your pitch to show how you can contribute to their unique identity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Pavilion. Let’s make some magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Director, Pavilion
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand Pavilion's vibe and what they’re looking for. Tailor your application to reflect their passion for illustrated non-fiction and your understanding of the market.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Editorial Director. Highlight any successful titles you've worked on and your connections in the industry.
Be Creative and Authentic: This role is all about creativity, so let your personality shine through! Use engaging language and be genuine in your responses. We want to see the real you and how you think outside the box.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website as specified. It’s super important to follow the instructions to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Be Applied Ltd
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the full-colour non-fiction market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, successful titles, and emerging authors. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your ability to spot opportunities that align with Pavilion's vision.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with agents and authors, think about how you can showcase your networking skills. Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained professional relationships in the past, and be ready to discuss your contacts in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Be prepared to discuss your editorial experience, especially in illustrated publishing. Bring examples of successful projects you've managed, focusing on how you commissioned, edited, and published titles. Highlight your attention to detail and your understanding of what makes a book successful.
✨Think Beyond the Book
Pavilion is looking for someone who can think creatively about publishing strategies. Come up with innovative ideas on how to enhance digital, international, and audio sales. Present these ideas during your interview to demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking.