At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead editorial strategy and develop a high-performing commissioning team in audio publishing.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House Audio, the UK's leading audiobook publisher.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of audiobooks and work with top authors and narrators.
- Qualifications: Experience in audio or book publishing, strong leadership, and commercial judgement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 € per year.
At Penguin Random House Audio, we're the UK's leading audiobook publisher, dedicated to creating exceptional listening experiences for audiences everywhere. Working with some of the world's most exciting authors, narrators and creative talent, we publish bestselling and award‐winning audiobooks across every genre — from major frontlist releases to carefully curated catalogue publishing.
Audio is one of the most dynamic and fast‐growing areas of publishing, and at PRH Audio we combine creative ambition with commercial rigour to deliver market‐leading work. We are now looking for an Audio Editorial Director to lead and develop a high‐performing commissioning team and shape ambitious, audience‐driven publishing across a number of PRH divisions.
The role
Reporting to the Publishing Director, the Audio Editorial Director provides senior editorial leadership across a significant frontlist and catalogue portfolio. You will work in close partnership with Publishers and Editorial Directors across PRH divisions, acting as an expert voice on audio strategy and playing a key role in shaping acquisitions, casting and rights investment. Combining strong editorial judgement with commercial acumen, you will ensure that our publishing is creatively outstanding and aligned with audience opportunity.
You will also directly lead and develop a team of editors — setting clear standards, coaching performance and fostering a culture of ambition, accountability and collaboration. This is an influential role requiring confident stakeholder management, market insight and the ability to balance creative vision with financial discipline.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the editorial strategy for major frontlist publications and significant catalogue investment across your divisions.
- Act as a senior audio voice in acquisitions conversations, shaping ambition through insight into market trends, audience behaviour and competitor activity.
- Lead high impact casting decisions, aligning voice, profile and audience strategy in partnership with marketing, sales and studio teams.
- Identify and secure strategically valuable audio rights, working closely with the Publishing Director and senior stakeholders.
- Understand financial performance at title and divisional level, ensuring editorial decisions support revenue growth and profitability.
- Develop and maintain senior relationships with agents and narrators, strengthening PRH Audio's market position and access to top-tier talent.
- Lead and manage a small team of audio editors, creating high standards and a culture of continuous development.
What you'll bring
- You'll be a confident and collaborative editorial leader with strong commercial instincts and a deep understanding of storytelling in audio.
- You'll enjoy operating at pace, influencing senior stakeholders and developing others to deliver their best work.
- We are open to candidates from across audio and publishing. You may already be working in audiobooks, or bring a strong track record as a print editor, with experience shaping and publishing successful books and a desire to apply that editorial judgement and commercial awareness in an audio context.
- Significant editorial or commissioning experience within audiobooks, audio or book publishing.
- Strong commercial judgement and experience contributing to acquisition or investment decisions.
- Demonstrable experience leading and developing individuals or teams.
- Confident stakeholder management skills, including influencing senior colleagues and external partners.
- A strong understanding of audience behaviour and market developments within audio publishing.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to balance creative ambition with operational and financial awareness.
Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt‐in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the 'What you'll bring' section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.
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 would be in the office 3 days a week.
Editorial Director, Audio in London employer: Penguin Random House UK
At Penguin Random House Audio, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading audiobook publisher, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, where you can lead a high-performing team and shape the future of audio publishing while enjoying competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements. Join us in a dynamic industry that values innovation and excellence, and be part of a company that champions both your professional development and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Director, Audio in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in PRH Audio and have a clear vision of how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your editorial leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Audio Editorial Director. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Director, Audio in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Audio:When you're writing your application, let your love for audiobooks shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for audio storytelling. We want to see how you connect with the medium.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to align your previous experience with the role of Audio Editorial Director. Highlight any relevant editorial leadership roles or projects you've worked on in audio or publishing. We’re looking for how your background fits our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Know Your Audio Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends in the audiobook industry. Familiarise yourself with recent bestsellers, emerging authors, and popular narrators. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely passionate about audio publishing.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Vision
Prepare to discuss your editorial philosophy and how it aligns with the company’s goals. Think about how you would approach commissioning new titles and what strategies you would implement to ensure they resonate with audiences. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that highlight your creative vision.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Audio Editorial Director, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully developed teams in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve fostered collaboration and accountability, as this will showcase your ability to manage and inspire others.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, think of ways to demonstrate your experience in influencing senior colleagues and external partners. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your ability to navigate complex conversations and make strategic decisions that benefit both the creative and commercial sides of publishing.
