Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee editorial production, ensuring books come to life from manuscript to press.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House UK, a leader in the publishing industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in the publishing world.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on beloved books and work with creative minds.
- Qualifications: Experience in copy-editing, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Managing Editor, Vintage role at Penguin Random House UK
Overview
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.
The role
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 6th of November 2025.
As part of your cover letter, please include an example (in no more than 500 words) of a book project where your early decisions made a difference to the outcome.
£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).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Managing Editor, Vintage employer: Penguin Random House UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Random House UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Editor, Vintage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those at Penguin Random House. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of editing work, make sure to have it ready to share. It’s a great way to demonstrate your attention to detail and editorial prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with Vintage’s house style and recent titles. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨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 follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Editor, Vintage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Managing Editor role. Highlight your experience in copy-editing and any relevant projects that showcase your attention to detail and editorial skills. We want to see how you fit into our world!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and include that example of a book project where your early decisions made a difference. We love seeing your thought process!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be liaising with authors, freelancers, and colleagues, make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, let us know how you collaborate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Know Your Editorial Stuff
Brush up on your copy-editing and proofreading skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in your previous roles. Penguin Random House UK will want to see that you have a solid grasp of grammar and editorial processes.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing multiple complex projects. Think of specific instances where your organisation and time-management skills made a difference. This role requires juggling various tasks, so demonstrating your ability to keep everything on track will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since strong communication skills are key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain how you've effectively liaised with authors, freelancers, and colleagues in the past. Good interpersonal skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand the Vintage House Style
Familiarise yourself with the Vintage house style and be prepared to discuss how you would implement it across different projects. Showing that you understand their brand and can contribute to maintaining its identity will demonstrate your commitment to the role.