Editorial Director

Join our award-winning MCB and First Ink publishing team! As Editorial Director, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to grow our YA imprint First Ink. You will be able to inspire a new generation by publishing outstanding books for readers aged 6+, including middle grade, with a core focus on YA and crossover fiction.

Your team will be an essential part of a passionate and creative group dedicated to publishing a diverse, engaging and dynamic list for readers. We have an exceptional list of authors and high-profile brands, which includes YA voices such as Tomi Adeyemi, Elle McNicoll and Hafsah Faizal, middle-grade authors like M. G. Leonard, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Pari Thomson, and non-fiction from influential figures like Hamza Yassin, Marcus Rashford and Dara McAnulty.

Your role will revolve around managing our YA/crossover imprint First Ink; strategically growing the list, monitoring trends, acquiring competitively and championing your books from idea to launch. You will work collaboratively with authors, agents and internal teams to ensure the First Ink list reaches its full commercial potential and resonates with our readers.

Your key responsibilities:

• Competitively building the First Ink & MCB fiction lists: Identify and acquire new books for publication, working closely with authors, agents and external partners to grow our middle-grade and YA list, including managing high-level auctions.
• Publish existing titles: Manage and support our existing book lists to ensure ongoing commercial success across global markets.
• Manage editorial stages: Edit your assigned titles at every single stage of production, from the initial structural layout down to the detailed line edit.
• Monitor market trends: Research and track industry trends to help inform our future book acquisitions and overall publishing strategies.
• Negotiate deals and contract terms: Draft, negotiate and complete contract terms for new book acquisitions.
• Cross-functional teamwork: Partner closely with design, production, sales, rights and communications teams to successfully launch and promote our books.
• Line management: Act as a direct line manager for assigned team members, responsible for their day-to-day guidance, setting individual goals, and helping them maximize their performance.

Essential experience, abilities and knowledge you’ll need to succeed:

• Children’s and YA expertise: Significant experience working within the publishing industry, and a genuine passion for children’s and YA literature.
• Competitive negotiation skills: Proven success in managing high-level auctions and competitive negotiations.
• Commercial trend spotting: A commercially minded approach with a proven ability to identify, track and react to market trends.
• Advanced editing skills: Proven experience completing structural edits, developmental edits and line edits to a high standard.
• Project management oversight: The ability to plan, track and manage complex publishing projects effectively from start to finish.
• Clear communication style: Effective spoken and written communication skills.
• Publishing network connections: Established professional relationships with literary agents and a wide network within the broader publishing community.
• Inclusion and representation: An active dedication to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices.
• 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.

Desirable skills we’d love you to have:

• Software/tools: Experience working with systems and tools such as MS Office, Google Workspace and Biblio.
• Mentorship & leadership: Previous experience in a line-management role within a creative team.

What you’ll get in return:

• 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Discounted private medical insurance or health cash plan
• Group income protection scheme
• Enhanced family pay and leave
• Flexible working hours and summer hours
• 2 volunteer days per year
• 75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales
• Season ticket loan/advance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts on shopping and gym memberships; Christmas club savings
• Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch

How to apply & eligibility:

All applications must be submitted via our careers site to be considered. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role.

Our commitment to diversity & inclusion: At Pan Macmillan, we are committed to publishing a wide range of voices that reflect the full breadth of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, including any age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

Disability confident scheme: As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from disabled candidates and people with long-term health conditions.

Adjustment & support: If you have any reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements, please contact Kayelle Danyluk (Head of Talent Acquisition).

Privacy notice: All personal information which we process in connection with your application will be treated in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice.