Bertelsmann
Editorial Director, Penguin Classics (Penguin Press, 12-month FTC)
An opportunity has arisen for an Editorial Director to join Penguin Press to cover a period of parental leave for up to approximately 12 months. This role is based at our offices in Embassy Gardens.
About the team
Penguin Classics is the world’s largest and best-known library of classic literature. Ranging from the epics of the ancient past to the novels, plays, essays and poetry of the twentieth century, the list includes works by authors such as Marcus Aurelius, Jane Austen, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Shirley Jackson, Hannah Arendt, Seichō Matsumoto and John le Carré. The Penguin Classics series is published by Penguin Press, which is also home to the non-fiction imprints Allen Lane, Pelican and Particular Books, and a contemporary poetry list.
The role
In this role, you will have the opportunity to acquire new titles for the Penguin Classics series, as well as overseeing the publication of the Editorial Director’s existing list and taking responsibility for several key estates in our catalogue. You’ll need the editorial judgement and project-management skills to develop a book from acquisition through to publication, including commissioning and editing translations and other editorial material, and working closely with Penguin Press colleagues on each book’s positioning, copy, design, publicity and marketing strategy. Building strong relationships with authors, translators, agents and estates will be essential too.
What you’ll bring
You will be an intellectually curious and experienced editor with a passion for discovering books from different languages and cultures, wide-ranging taste, and an ability to connect works from the past with readers today. You’ll also be imaginative, able to lead, to question and to collaborate.
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter (both in pdf format) outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 30th of September 2026. In your letter, please also tell us about one title that you think we should publish in Penguin Classics. The cover letter should be uploaded as an additional document.
- We anticipate a two-stage in-person interview process. We are happy to discuss this further with you throughout the recruitment process.
Salary
Circa £50,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
Use of AI tools
Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your thoughts, experiences and skills in your own voice.
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 [email protected]. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.
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. For this role we expect that you come into the office at least three days a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Additional Information
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Further information on data protection and your rights can be found here.
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