Senior Editor (9 month FTC)

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Overview

Hachette Children's Books is looking for a creative Senior Editor to join their picture book team on a parental leave contract starting in January 2026. Reporting to the Editorial Director of Picture Books, you will be the editorial lead on a range of picture book titles, working collaboratively with authors, illustrators and agents to create the best possible books on an award-winning and bestselling list. You will liaise closely with design colleagues at every stage and be responsible for delivering books on time and on budget. You will read and review picture book submissions, negotiate contracts and champion titles at meetings. This is a part‑time position, working 28 hours per week. The role can be based at our London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in‑office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

We are seeking someone with a wealth of ideas, a collaborative, organised and imaginative approach, and a strong focus on acquiring and editing high‑quality picture books for young readers.

Hachette Children\'s Group is one of the UK\'s largest children\'s publishers. Our mission is to make it easy for children and young people everywhere to access books and see themselves reflected, and to inspire a lifelong love of reading. If shortlisted, please let us know if you need any adjustments for interviews.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as editorial lead on a range of picture book titles, working with authors, illustrators and agents.
  • Read and review picture book submissions; negotiate on contracts; champion titles at meetings.
  • Liaise with design colleagues at every stage to ensure timely delivery and budget adherence.
  • Manage projects from acquisition through to publication, with a focus on quality and market relevance.
  • Collaborate as part of the team to develop award-winning and bestselling lists.
  • Maintain organised workflows and effective communication with internal teams and external contributors.

Qualifications

  • Imaginative and experienced picture book editor with an eye for strong text and a passion for illustration.
  • Track record of taking books from acquisition to publication; experience as an acquirer and editor of picture books.
  • Excellent project management and editorial skills; good understanding of the design and illustration process.
  • Strong knowledge of the children's market; highly organised and able to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Experience managing part-time, collaborative editorial workflows is a plus.

Benefits

  • 28 annual leave days per year, increasing to 29 after 2 years, and 30 after 5 years (+ bank holidays).
  • Generous pension schemes.
  • Rent deposit loans.
  • 2 community days per year.
  • Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months).
  • Retail discounts through Hachette rewards.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Eye care vouchers.
  • Wide-ranging training library.
  • Development programmes (including mentoring).
  • Up to 70% off book purchases.
  • A charity bookshelf.
  • 12 Staff-led employee networks (e.g., AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks).
  • Season ticket loans.
  • And much more!

Equality and inclusion: Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities, and aims to attract and develop talent from a broad range of backgrounds. If you need adjustments to attend an interview, please let us know.

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Location:
Camden Town, England, United Kingdom
Salary:
£80,000 - £100,000
Job Type:
PartTime
Category:
IT & Technology

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