Editor/Commissioning Editor Children’s Licensing, (3-month-FTC)

About Penguin
We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. Changing lives through words – this is what we do. By entertaining and educating, we aim to publish for every child everywhere, and take young people on an incredible journey from their first independent reading experiences right through to their teen years and beyond.

About the team
In Licensing, we create readers by bringing children to books through the brands and characters they already love. We build on and deepen those connections, expanding the brands through our books. We use our consumer expertise to connect with fans who will grow up with us. We’re the home for their first friendships, first loves and the brands they will be fans of for life. We make books for children and inner-children, at every age, in every genre. We create the best possible books with the best possible licenses.

The role
We are looking for an experienced Editor/Commissioning Editor to cover a sabbatical period of three months for one of our team members. You will be a pivotal member of the Licensing Editorial team, responsible for managing, developing and editing a range of titles on our list. The Editor/Commissioning Editor may be responsible for managing one or more brands. You will work on all stages of book production in order to turn a manuscript or a format idea into a finished product, ensuring licensed books are written to our usual high standard by working closely with writers, freelancers and in-house departments, and maintaining databases such as Biblio.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing and developing titles across the licensing list, including being the editorial point of contact where appropriate.
• Researching new brands and licenses, and contributing to pitches for these licenses.
• Working closely with the Custom team where appropriate.
• Project editing across the Licensing list.
• Briefing and contracting authors and developing content.
• Preparing appraisal documents (costs, P&L) for specified titles.
• Managing the internal publishing process for specified titles, scheduling, and liaising with Production and Design.
• Writing cover copy and advance information (AI) sheets for titles.
• Working closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to support their work and provide information and sales materials when requested.
• Other editorial tasks as required in order to facilitate the smooth running of the department.

What you’ll bring

• Demonstrable experience in an editorial role.
• Experience working with children’s books.
• Bursting with book ideas for children aged 0-teen.
• Highly organised and good at learning new systems.
• Commercial awareness and knowledge of the children’s book market, especially licensing books and wider market knowledge.

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.

Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 18th of June 2026. Please note we are looking for someone to join the team by mid-July, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.

Use of AI tools
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. We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.

Salary
Up to Circa £40,000 per annum, plus benefits. Please note that if appointed at Editor level, the role is expected to be full‑time (5 days per week), whereas if appointed at Commissioning Editor level, the role will be offered part‑time (3 days per week). We will be happy to discuss the above with you and answer any questions as part of the recruitment process.

Hybrid working
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. You may be required in the office between 2-3 days depending on the team’s needs, which we can discuss further in the interviews.

Benefits
Income Protection, Health assessment, Gym flex, Life event leave, Dental insurance, Cycle scheme.

All our Benefits
Please note that we do not accept any CVs via agencies, and any sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee.