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- Tasks: Lead editorial projects and create engaging children's books for ages 0-12.
- Company: Join Kingfisher, a vibrant children's publishing house focused on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible hours, and discounts on books.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's publishing while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in illustrated children's books and strong commercial awareness.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and innovation in a supportive, dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
Kingfisher are a specialist children's non-fiction and reference publisher. We publish contemporary and engaging books for children aged 0-12 years old, from highly illustrated encyclopedias to trend‑led titles and illustrated non‑fiction gift books. You will join a dedicated, experienced team working closely with the Publisher and Publishing Director to deliver innovative formats for a global audience. We have a strong focus on the US market and work closely with our US sales colleagues to turn market insights into books that resonate with readers. We are a collaborative group that thrives on creativity, reacting to trends, and delivering high‑quality content.
Your role: As Senior Editor, you will be a key driver for our custom publishing growth. You will take ownership of titles from initial concept to final files, ensuring every book meets our high standards for quality, budget, and scheduling. This role is ideal for a commercially minded editor who enjoys dynamic, customer‑led publishing. You will create books that respond thoughtfully to market trends and specific retail opportunities in the UK and US.
Key Responsibilities
- Project leadership: Oversee the editorial development and production of a diverse range of titles, ensuring they meet Kingfisher's quality benchmarks.
- Commercial growth: Partner with sales leads to identify and develop publishing opportunities that support our custom publishing strategy.
- Financial management: Manage individual book budgets and P&Ls, ensuring titles remain viable and on track.
- Collaborative partnership: Build and maintain supportive relationships with authors, illustrators, and external suppliers to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Market awareness: Use your knowledge of the US and UK markets to ensure our books meet current customer preferences and popular formats.
- Illustrated publishing knowledge: Demonstrable experience in illustrated children's information books and pre‑school publishing, from commissioning through to final files.
- Commercial awareness: Comfort working with numbers, including an understanding of P&L and financial tracking for a publishing list.
- Attend to detail: An exceptional eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards across content development, copy editing, and proofreading.
- Adaptability and organisation: A calm and methodical approach to managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting key production deadlines.
- Market insight: A deep and active knowledge of the contemporary children's book market in both the UK and US.
- Commercial fluency: Strong numeracy skills and a clear understanding of P&L and financial management for a specific publishing list.
- Innovation and efficiency: A forward‑thinking approach to publishing with an openness to exploring new tools and technologies, such as AI, to improve workflows and create more efficient processes.
- Inclusion and representation: An active dedication to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices, taking personal responsibility for ensuring that our workplace and publishing reflect the communities we serve.
- Community: A collaborative approach to building a supportive and vibrant environment.
- Curiosity: A strong drive for learning and a readiness to embrace different perspectives.
- Integrity: A foundation of openness and honesty, taking responsibility for actions and learning from mistakes.
Desirable Skills
- Software/tools: Experience working with systems and tools such as MS Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, Canva and Biblio.
- Novelty formats: Familiarity with the specific requirements and production processes involved in creating novelty or toy books.
At Pan Macmillan, we are committed to publishing a wide range of voices that reflect the full breadth of the communities we serve. Joining us means playing an active role in bringing our titles to life as part of a team that champions inclusion at every level. We are dedicated to building a workplace that is as diverse and welcoming as the stories we tell, ensuring all perspectives are celebrated across everything we do.
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.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary starting from: £37,000, 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, Tastecard+ and gym memberships; Christmas club savings
- Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch
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.
Editor in City of London employer: Pan Macmillan
Contact Detail:
Pan Macmillan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Editor in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at Kingfisher or similar companies. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring examples of your work that highlight your editorial skills and innovative ideas. Whether it’s a portfolio or a few standout projects, make sure they see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends! Keep an eye on what’s hot in children’s publishing, especially in the UK and US markets. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company’s direction.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Kingfisher. Don’t forget to tailor your application to reflect your understanding of our mission and values!
We think you need these skills to ace Editor in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Children's Publishing: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for children's books! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your love for creating engaging content for kids aged 0-12.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on quality, market trends, and collaboration.
Highlight Your Financial Savvy: Since financial management is key in this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your experience with budgets and P&Ls. We’re looking for someone who can keep our projects viable and on track!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Kingfisher!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, dive deep into Kingfisher's catalogue and understand their target audience. Familiarise yourself with their recent titles and trends in children's publishing, especially in the UK and US markets. This will help you demonstrate your market awareness and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your editorial experience, particularly with illustrated children's books. Highlight your project leadership skills and how you've successfully managed budgets and timelines in previous roles. Be ready to explain how you ensure high-quality content while meeting commercial goals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Kingfisher values a collaborative approach, so be prepared to talk about how you've built relationships with authors, illustrators, and other stakeholders. Share examples of successful partnerships and how they contributed to the success of your projects. This will show that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.
✨Be Ready for Market Insights
Since the role requires a strong understanding of market trends, come equipped with insights about current preferences in children's publishing. Discuss any innovative ideas you have for new formats or topics that could resonate with readers. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach and adaptability in a dynamic industry.