Publisher (new imprint), Penguin Random House Children's in London

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new children's and YA imprint from the ground up. Joining at the very start of an ambitious new venture, you'll combine creativity, commercial instinct and publishing expertise to shape a list, a team and a publishing brand with real impact.

About the team

Under the leadership of Publishing & Creative Director Rachel Denwood, Penguin Random House Children’s is launching a new imprint: a vibrant publishing home for authors and illustrators with big ambitions for young readers. We believe children need more choice, more variety and more opportunities to discover books they love. This new imprint has been created to publish standout books across children’s and YA publishing, connecting exceptional creative talent with the widest possible readership.

The role

You'll be a key strategic partner in building and growing the list. This is not a typical Publisher role. We’re looking for someone who combines outstanding editorial judgement with strong commercial instinct and entrepreneurial energy. You’ll be equally comfortable discussing strategy, budgets and acquisitions as you are generating ideas, editing manuscripts, developing authors and illustrators, and championing books across the business.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with the Publishing & Creative Director to shape and deliver the imprint’s publishing strategy and growth plans
• Acquire, commission and publish exceptional books across children’s and YA publishing
• Build and develop relationships with authors, illustrators and agents, attracting outstanding talent to the list
• Negotiate acquisitions and contracts in line with creative and commercial objectives
• Edit and publish your own list of titles to the highest standards
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across design, publicity, marketing, sales and rights to maximise the success of every project
• Identify market opportunities and trends, using insight and instinct to inform publishing decisions
• Champion the imprint and its books across the business
• Contribute to the development of new intellectual property and publishing opportunities
• Help shape the future growth, culture and success of the imprint as it develops

What you’ll bring

• Significant children’s editorial publishing experience with deep knowledge of the children’s and YA market, readerships and competitors
• A strong track record of acquiring and publishing commercially successful books and series, including bestsellers
• Excellent editorial judgement and commissioning instincts, with a reputation for spotting, acquiring and developing exceptional talent
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally
• A strong understanding of how to grow readerships and connect books with the widest possible audience of young readers
• The ability to balance creative ambition with commercial decision‑making
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• The confidence to work autonomously while thriving in a collaborative team environment
• An entrepreneurial mindset, original ideas and the enthusiasm to help build something new

Preferred criteria

• Experience working across different categories, formats and age groups within children’s publishing
• Strong commercial awareness and experience working with budgets, financial targets and acquisitions
• Experience contributing to publishing strategy and long‑term list development
• Significant negotiating experience and the confidence to make difficult decisions when required

Benefits and salary

£60,000 – £70,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

Location and work arrangements

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 typically be in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

EEO statement

As a Disability Confident and Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role. If you have any reasonable adjustments you may need, please tell us by emailing.