Managing Editor, Picador Managing Editorial · Farringdon, London

We’re looking for an exceptionally organized and detail-oriented Managing Editor to take responsibility for the smooth running of Picador’s publishing (fiction, non-fiction, poetry and classics). This is an important and varied role for an experienced candidate with a solid understanding of the editorial and production processes and a passion for supporting pre-press teams to create books of the highest quality.

This is a full time position however we are open to considering a 4-day work week for the right candidate.

Your team

You will be working within the Managing Editorial team, reporting to the Managing Editorial Director. We’re a collaborative and multifaceted department that forms the backbone of Pan Macmillan’s publishing programme, overseeing frontlist, backlist and reissued titles through all stages of the editorial and production process. We work alongside authors, commissioning editors, the production team and other in-house departments to ensure high editorial quality is maintained, processes are refined and commercial needs are met, all while bringing a wonderful and varied array of books to life.

Picador is the literary imprint at Pan Macmillan and what defines a Picador book is the author’s voice: we believe the way a story is told is just as important as the story itself. We publish writers from all over the world, bringing international authors to an English-language readership and providing a platform for voices that are often not heard.

Your role

This pivotal role brings the acclaimed Picador publishing programme to life, combining meticulous editorial oversight with dynamic project management. You will ensure seamless progress from copy-edit to final files, championing quality and efficiency every step of the way.

Your key responsibilities

• Drive publishing projects: Manage the desk-editorial process for Picador and act as the key point of contact for the Picador team. Manage your own diverse list of titles (across all formats – frontlist, backlist and ebooks), ensuring all text and artwork stages run seamlessly and to the critical path. Commission freelancers and quality-check their work; collate and check proofs.

• Lead and organize workflows: Allocate titles and tasks to the desk-editorial team; run progress meetings for Editorial, Production, Text Design and Art.

• Champion quality: Ensure all aspects of text, artwork and associated materials (e.g. ebooks, consumer copy, pitches, indexes, maps, plate sections, catalogues) meet Picador’s high standards.

• Collaboration: Build strong, effective relationships with commissioning editors, authors, freelancers and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and proactive problem-solving.

• Development and mentoring: Provide guidance and support as a line manager, contributing to the growth and development of team members.

• Innovation: Actively seek opportunities to enhance workflow and processes, using new and developing technologies such as AI (especially Google Gemini), to contribute to continuous improvement within the team.

Essential experience, abilities and knowledge

• Substantial editorial experience in a similar project-management role.
• An impeccable eye for detail and an excellent understanding of the English language, (grammar, punctuation and semantics, and the application of style guides).
• Excellent copy-editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience of working on complex non-fiction titles and/or high-profile projects.
• Experience of line management, training and mentoring, and the ability to motivate others.
• An excellent track record of drawing up, managing and re-negotiating schedules in line with the critical path; problem solving and the ability to deviate from plans when needed.
• Motivated and highly flexible – happy to move between projects as priorities dictate.
• A strong understanding of Microsoft Word (track changes) and Adobe (for digital mark-up).

Desirable skills we’d love you to have

• A broad knowledge of, and interest in, literary fiction, non-fiction, classics and poetry, and a love of reading.
• Familiarity with Google for Work (Gmail/Gemini/Google Workspace).
• Experience of working with Biblio would be an advantage.

What you’ll get in return

In return we can offer you a range of great projects, a supportive and collaborative working environment as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits we offer

• 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Discounted private medical insurance
• Group income protection scheme
• Enhanced family pay and leave
• Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months)
• 2 Volunteer Days per year
• 75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates)
• Season ticket loan/advance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts on shopping and gym memberships; Christmas club savings
• Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch

Location and work flexibility

This is a full time, permanent role, and will be based in our offices in Farringdon, London, with some flexibility to work from home each week.

Right to work

All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

At Pan Macmillan, we are highly committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at every level of our organisation. We welcome applications from all individuals, including any age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Our efforts to promote DEI are ongoing, and we continually strive to learn and improve our policies and practices. You can read our full Diversity & Inclusion Pledge here: https://www.panmacmillan.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion

Accessibility and recruitment privacy

We want to ensure that all candidates are supported throughout the recruitment process, if you have any reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements please contact Kayelle Danyluk (Head of Talent Acquisition) at kayelle.danyluk@macmillan.com

Please note that all personal information which we process in connection with your application will be treated in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice available here: https://panmacmillan.com/recruitment-privacy-notice. Please read our Recruitment Privacy Notice before submitting your application.

Closing date

2 November 2025