Commissioning Editor/ Senior Commissioning Editor

Job description

Who we are and what do

Headline was founded in 1986 with a single promise at its heart: to publish the books people want to read. Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best.

Headline has spent over three decades creating bestsellers and our passion for the commercial means we are home to some of the UK's biggest-selling authors and continue to invest in new talent with stellar sales potential. The Non-fiction team publishes a host of bestselling authors and national treasures across a wide spectrum, including mega celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Perry, Pamela Anderson and legendary bassist Flea; sports stars like Ben Stokes, Warren Gatland and Paul Merson; British TV talent including Carol Vorderman and the comedians James Acaster and Ivo Graham; politicians including former PM Theresa May and Liz Cheney; and the award-winning Number One bestselling journalist and memoirist, Bryony Gordon. We are a close-knit, ambitious team with a reputation for outstanding author care and a mission to make our list as profitable as possible.

'One of the best things about working at Headline Non-Fiction is the huge scope. As a team we publish across all non-fiction genres and there is ample opportunity to flex your creative streak as part of your commissioning. If you enjoy a challenge and are keen to work with an open and dynamic team, look no further!'

Holly Purdham, Assistant Editor Headline Non-Fiction

'At Headline Non-Fiction you'll be joining a supportive, creative and ambitious team where you'll be encouraged to thrive as a commissioner. It is an exciting time for the team as we expand our commissioning across all areas of non-fiction. If you're looking for an energetic and dynamic place to work you've come to the right place!'

Bianca Bexton, Senior Commissioning Editor, Headline Non-Fiction

What you'll be doing

Are you a successful, ambitious, and experienced non-fiction editor or commissioner?

Are you looking for a new challenge in a dynamic and commercial team?

Headline is seeking a commissioning editor / senior commissioning editor to acquire across a range of dynamic subject areas, including celebrity and the best journalism.

We're looking for an ideas-led commissioner with a focus on sport, pop culture and lifestyle to join our team. You'll have the exciting ownership of building a list of successful, bestselling titles from the ground up, with our support. We're therefore on the lookout for a commissioning editor or senior commissioning editor (depending on experience) who is motivated by success, has a reputation for driving their books to the top of the charts, has an impeccable network of contacts, and can develop and execute IP ideas of their own, as well as attracting the very best agented submissions.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone to commission in the areas of sport, pop-culture, professional memoirs, current affairs, social media trends and lifestyle. You will also have the opportunity to work alongside the Publishing Director and Deputy Publishing Director in shaping some of our major celebrity acquisitions. IP development is a core priority for Headline Non-fiction and we are excited to hear your ideas and help you find the right authors to execute them.

What we offer

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

• 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days 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 that are voluntary, including Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
• Season ticket loans
• And much more!

The role will be based at our London office, Carmelite House, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Our commitment

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.

If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org