Chief Children's Publishing Director

2 weeks ago


London, Greater London, United Kingdom quatro Full time

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Editorial Director to lead our children's publishing program for Happy Yak, one of Quarto's newest imprints. The successful candidate will have a strong track record in editorial leadership and commercial publishing.

About the Role

  • Lead the publishing program for Happy Yak, collaborating with the Creative Director and team of commissioning editors and designers to maintain the brand identity and assess gaps in the market.
  • Drive forward the new list, liaising regularly with Sales and Marketing in both the UK and US to ensure growth of the imprint.
  • Commission and acquire new titles for the list, presenting them at the weekly Publishing meeting.
  • Run P&Ls, assess title profitability, and advise on author and illustrator fees and royalty rates.
  • Comment on book covers, layouts, and circulations at various stages of development.
  • Take joint responsibility for achieving the budget set by the Finance Team/CEO for the given year, in conjunction with the Creative Director.
  • Manage key stakeholder relationships, including authors and brand partnerships.
  • Keep abreast of trends in publishing/the wider world to ensure our publishing program reflects consumer demands, suggesting fast turnaround drop-ins where appropriate.
  • Approve co-edition deals, sign off royalty statements, advise on inventory, and manage day-to-day queries from in-house departments and out-of-house collaborators.

Line Management

  • Line-manage the Happy Yak editorial team.
  • Work closely with the Creative Director on imprint growth and strategy.
  • Carry out quarterly and annual line reviews with direct reports, establishing goals and a clear plan for achievement.

About You

The ideal candidate will have experience working at Editorial Director level across a range of children's formats, with a strong understanding of early years development and pre-school publishing. Commercial insight and awareness of current trends in the market are essential.

You will be able to:

  • coordinate, support, and motivate an editorial team;
  • enhance a publishing program creatively and commercially;
  • focus on details while seeing the bigger picture;
  • takereesponsibility and deliver results;
  • manage tight deadlines and juggle multiple urgent tasks;
  • negotiate with and provide guidance to authors, designers, and illustrators;
  • create and oversee budgets and schedules.

What We Can Offer

  • A supportive, open environment with development opportunities;
  • 25 days paid holiday per year (increasing up to 30 days per year), plus bank holidays;
  • Cultural appreciation day;
  • Employee Assistance Programme;
  • Staff discounts on selected shops, retailers, and restaurants;
  • Health Cash Plan;
  • Pension;
  • Cycle to Work scheme;
  • Summer hours;
  • Free books scheme;
  • Active social and diversity committees.

Location

This role is based in London, with occasional travel to the US. Salary: £45,500 per year, full-time, increasing with experience.



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