Head of Marketing, Penguin Random House Children's

Head of Marketing, Penguin Random House Children's

Are you a strategic and creative marketing leader with a passion for connecting children and families with stories that inspire imagination and discovery? Do you know how to motivate and empower a talented team, while driving innovative, audience-first campaigns that deliver measurable impact? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a new Head of Marketing to join the Penguin Random House Children's team, shaping how we reach and grow our audiences across a diverse and dynamic publishing list.

About the team

We are the UK's no. 1 children's publisher, home to Puffin and Ladybird, and some of the most recognised entertainment brands and authors, including: Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit, Tom Fletcher, Roald Dahl, Malorie Blackman, Jeff Kinney, Jacqueline Wilson, Philip Pullman and Jennifer Lynn Barnes to name but a few. We also launch talented new rising stars, including Huw Aaron, Bea Fitzgerald, Nathan Bryan, Dapo Adeola, Sam Copeland and Manjeet Mann.

The role

The role works with our Primary list (that's 6-12 years) which boasts every book a child could want, from powerhouse brands such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid to stellar debuts like The Swifts and genre-defining non-fiction from household names such as Adam Kay. You'll lead the way in developing bold, insight-driven marketing strategies that supercharge our efforts to reach new audiences across some of our growth categories such as non-fiction, graphic novels and new debuts.

We're looking for a dynamic leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong appetite for innovation - someone eager to explore new and emerging platforms and technologies to shape forward-thinking marketing campaigns that connect with readers, inspire families, and drive sales across our Children's primary list. You'll be an experienced people leader who can motivate and mobilise a team to deliver effective, audience-first campaigns that help to achieve our ambitious growth plans.

You don't need to come from a publishing background; we're keen to hear from experienced marketing leaders who have driven meaningful growth in other sectors and are excited to bring their expertise, creativity, and energy to a new challenge in children's publishing.

Key responsibilities:

• This role forms part of our Senior Marketing Leadership team, each with their own responsibility for different priority areas of our list: this role is Head of Marketing, Primary shaping audience positioning and campaign development across growth areas such as non-fiction, graphic novels and literary debut publishing.
• Develop and deliver bold, audience-first marketing strategies that grow reach, engagement, and sales across the Primary publishing categories.
• Devise and oversee integrated marketing campaigns for the list including consumer-facing campaigns, experiential, events, CRM, plus trade-facing and retail engagement.
• Champion innovation by exploring new platforms, technologies, and partnerships to connect with readers and families in fresh, imaginative ways.
• Use data and insight to inform strategy, identify opportunities, and measure the effectiveness of campaigns.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Editorial, Publicity, Sales, and Brand teams to drive cohesive, impactful marketing activity.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring creative excellence and return on investment.
• Represent marketing perspectives in divisional planning and strategy discussions, contributing to the long-term growth of Penguin Random House Children's.
• Act as an ambassador for the division, championing our authors, illustrators, and stories both internally and externally.

What you'll bring

Essential criteria:

• Proven senior marketing experience with a track record of delivering impactful, audience-led campaigns that drive growth and engagement.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and empower a high-performing marketing team.
• Strategic thinker with commercial acumen, capable of turning creative ideas into effective marketing strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Deep understanding of audiences, with a passion for reaching and engaging readers — particularly children, families, and those discovering new voices and stories.
• Confidence in exploring and adopting new platforms and technologies, using data, insights, and emerging trends to shape innovative marketing approaches.
• Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills, able to work cross-functionally with editorial, publicity, sales, and brand teams to align vision and execution.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling abilities, both in written and verbal form, to articulate ideas clearly and inspire others internally and externally.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and seizing new opportunities to grow the division's reach and impact.

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Sunday 16th November.

As part of your cover letter, please tell us about a new platform or technology you have seen used effectively in a recent creative marketing campaign.

Salary

Circa £50,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

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, you will work from our Embassy Gardens office a minimum of three days per week.