Publishing Director, Hutchinson Heinemann

We are seeking an experienced Publishing Director to lead Hutchinson Heinemann’s fiction list, building on the imprint’s strengths with clear strategic vision and market-leading publishing. In this role you will be a recognised expert in literary fiction, overseeing acquisitions and publishing strategy while leading and developing the fiction acquiring team. You will also work with the Publisher to shape Hutchinson Heinemann’s overall publishing and will chair and drive imprint meetings across editorial, marketing, publicity and sales.

You’ll join a high-performing, supportive culture with strong opportunity for professional development and real scope to shape the imprint’s editorial identity and future direction. You’ll work closely and collaboratively with editorial colleagues across fiction and non-fiction and contribute to a dynamic, open-minded editorial team that acquires across Hutchinson Heinemann, #Merky Books and Cornerstone Press. You’ll work with experts in marketing, publicity and sales who are focused on the success of Hutchinson Heinemann in particular. You’ll be part of Cornerstone’s Heads of Department team, contributing to Cornerstone’s wider strategic goals and development.

Hutchinson Heinemann is a publishing imprint for high quality writing with popular appeal. We publish mind-blowing reads, exquisite joyrides, book club beloveds and fresh future classics. Our writers span fiction and non-fiction, and we love helping clever, enjoyable books make waves, winning big audience reactions and critical acclaim along the way.

The Publishing Director will be responsible for the creative, cultural and commercial success of the Hutchinson Heinemann fiction list. You will acquire the very best new authors and inherit and work with an exceptional roster of writers, including Lauren Groff, Tom Hanks, Richard Powers, Taylor Jenkins Reid and Amor Towles. You will set high standards across editorial and publishing, always leading inclusively, managing at least three fiction acquirers and building a team culture rooted in Cornerstone’s qualities.

• Set the fiction publishing strategy for Hutchinson Heinemann, collaborating with the editorial team on long-term plans, staying close to the market and cultural conversation to inform acquisitions and creative publishing.
• Ultimate responsibility for the imprint’s fiction acquisitions, ensuring robust, inclusive conversations and close attention to publishing performance.
• Deliver market-leading publishing: from clarity of pitch and positioning to standout packaging and ambitious publishing strategies across the critical path.
• Maintain and strengthen author relationships, ensuring authors are published brilliantly, cared for, and have consistently positive experiences with their core publishing team.
• Manage the imprint’s day-to-day fiction business, including cost management, hitting editorial milestones, and owning delivery against agreed targets.
• Lead and develop the fiction team across hiring, performance, development and wellbeing, creating a psychologically safe environment where people can take smart risks, learn fast, and do their best work.
• Build Hutchinson Heinemann’s influence and network, from agents to booksellers and key industry partners, and collaborate strongly across sales, marketing and publicity.

• Proven track record of publishing excellence and sustained success in fiction, with deep expertise and taste in literary fiction.
• A thoughtful, experienced people manager with the ability to motivate, develop and mobilise teams to deliver excellence and commercial goals.
• A strategic thinker who can articulate a compelling vision for the list and communicate it in ways that engage internal teams, agents and authors.
• Strong negotiation capability in complex deals and auction environments.
• Confidence managing the complexity of publishing decision-making - listening well, inviting different viewpoints, being decisive, and explaining the “why” clearly.
• Creatively confident and distinctive, with strong instincts for packaging and campaigns, and the ability to bring books to life from acquisition through publication and beyond.
• Commercially astute, uses market knowledge and data to improve decisions and is motivated by sustainable growth.
• A leadership approach that reflects Cornerstone qualities: a candidate comfortable questioning the status quo, taking smart risks and experimenting in their publishing.
• A fast learner with editorial courage and commitment to free expression.
• A resilient, energised publisher focused on delivering sustainable performance and with a growth mindset.
• An inclusive figure committed to the development of others, and to fostering an environment of psychological safety and belonging in their team.

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section.

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 1st February 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.

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 be in the office in Embassy Gardens on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.