Managing Editor, Vintage in London

Are you organised, meticulous and experienced in project-managing editorial projects? Vintage is a division of Penguin Random House, the world’s largest publisher. We are looking for a Managing Editor to join our team.

About the team

At Vintage, we are dedicated to bold publishing. Our books encourage all sorts of readers all over the world to think differently in big and small ways. We make a book the best of its kind, with publishing expertise and world-class design. Our heritage gives us confidence to find the next big thing, knowing the most exceptional is yet to come. Making books is a team effort, and whether that’s a team of two or eighty-two, we share every triumph. We pour care into our craft, our authors and each other – because there’s no limit to a good book.

The role

We’re recruiting a Managing Editor to play a key part in bringing our books to life. You’ll oversee titles in first and second formats through all aspects of the editorial production process, working closely with the Editorial, Production and Design teams, as well as with external freelancers and our authors, to see titles through from manuscript to press, ensuring books are produced on the Vintage critical path.

You will be responsible for copy-editing and proofreading material to the highest standard. You’ll support the implementation of Vintage house style across lists and contribute to the development of editorial processes and systems.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to have demonstrable experience of in-house desk- or copy-editing along with impeccable attention to detail, a sound knowledge of English grammar and excellent editorial abilities. You’ll also have strong communication skills to liaise effectively with authors, freelancers and colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with the Editorial, Production and Design teams to see titles through from manuscript to press
• Support in the development of editorial processes and systems
• Contribute to progress meetings
• Post-edit, liaising with authors and freelance copy-editors, proof-readers and indexers
• Support the implementation of Vintage house style
• Ensure copy-editing and proofreading are carried out to the highest of standards
• Copy-editing jacket and cover copy pre-design, and proofreading jackets and covers
• Proofreading marketing and publicity materials as required

What you’ll bring

• Delivery-focused with demonstrable experience of managing multiple complex projects; strong personal organisation and time-management skills
• Excellent communication skills; a team player with interpersonal sensitivity
• Impeccable grammar, spelling and proofreading skills; close attention to detail
• Initiative, independence and flexibility
• A strong understanding of trade publishing in general and managing editorial in particular

Preferred criteria:

• Experience working on four-colour books

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 13th of May 2026. As part of your cover letter, please describe (in no more than 500 words) a project where competing priorities were in tension (for example, schedule, budget or quality). What trade-offs did you make, how did you manage expectations and what would you do differently in hindsight?

£35,500–40,000 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 will come to our office in London three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday).