Head of Campaigns (Publicity), Spotlight (12-month FTC)

Are you in your element when you create high-profile, audience-first publicity campaigns? Can you lead a team of innovative and dedicated marketers and publicists? We’re looking for a Head of Campaigns for our Ebury Spotlight list who is passionate about the world of entertainment and popular culture. This is a role to cover parental leave, and we are open to talent from inside and outside the publishing industry – this is a great chance to shape how we reach new audiences and create bestsellers.

About the team

Ebury Spotlight is the home of Ebury’s entertainment publishing. Ebury is the UK’s largest dedicated non-fiction publisher, and the focus at Ebury Spotlight is to find the brightest talent and create standout, must-have books of the moment. From autobiography and memoir to television, sport, music and comedy, we are proud to be one of the UK’s most successful teams dedicated to publishing pop culture books for everyone. We’re a small team with an entrepreneurial and start‑up mentality who are in a period of consistent growth and are at the forefront of entertainment publishing in the UK trade market. Our authors include Greg James, Tom Felton, Molly‑Mae Hague, Ted the Dog, Paloma Faith, Louise Thompson, Kevin Rowland, Mo Gilligan, Jess and Norma, Sir Mark Cavendish, Sir Geoff Hurst and many more. Our publishing list for Autumn 2026 is an incredible line‑up.

The role

As Head of Campaigns, you’ll lead innovative, audience‑first publicity campaigns across our stellar list, shaping how we connect readers with the most exciting voices in entertainment. You’ll guide and inspire a talented team of marketers and publicists, championing creativity, collaboration and strategic thinking across our campaigns. A versatile leader, you’ll balance high‑profile launches with long‑tail opportunities, use audience insights to spark fresh ideas. As part of the role there will be some UK travel and out of hours work (we offer time in lieu for weekend work). You will join a strong and supportive team, where no two days are the same, offering many opportunities to meet interesting people and have unique and exciting experiences.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on high‑profile publicity campaigns for the hub
• Lead the marketing and publicity team for the hub
• Take responsibility for all aspects of the promotional strategy for our books from acquisition through to publication and beyond
• Build a close partnership with the publishing team to set the agenda and contribute to acquisition and growth strategy
• Represent the Ebury Spotlight list internally and externally, generating buzz around our authors.
• Build and develop excellent relationships with authors, agents, brand partners, influencers and internal and external stakeholders
• Champion innovation and creativity at the heart of every campaign

What you’ll bring

• Exceptional publicist with several years of experience in campaigns across a wide range of media.
• Versatile leader who is able to motivate and inspire a talented team.
• Creative approach to finding new ways of targeting, engaging and broadening audiences
• A keen interest in the entertainment industry – experience working with talent is required.
• A keen interest in and a finger on the pulse of the changing media landscape
• Great understanding of how media and effective communication impacts a campaign, across both print and digital.
• Talented multi‑tasker who can prioritise, set direction, problem solve, brainstorm, and negotiate
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable building relationships and influencing effectively across a wide range of stakeholders
• Resilient, and calm under pressure

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 15th of March 2026.

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team.

We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.

Circa £55,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

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 that you’ll spend a minimum of two days per week at our Embassy Gardens office (three days in the first three months).