Head of Editorial Operations

Simon & Schuster, Inc.; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster Australia is seeking a Head of Editorial Operations to lead the Adult Editorial team and oversee the workflow that delivers our publishing programme. Reporting to the Managing Director, the role focuses on strengthening editorial processes, coordinating resources and ensuring the division operates efficiently, with a clear commercial focus and strong author experience.

They will manage a team of project editors, overseeing costs, metadata and systems while balancing priorities

Qualifications

• The candidate will have a strong understanding of the publishing lifecycle and the role editorial operations play in delivering successful books and a positive author experience.
• They will combine strategic thinking with close attention to detail, leading the project-editorial team across a varied list of titles while balancing project priorities with the wider program.
• Experience in trade publishing, people leadership and process improvement, with ability to manage budgets, freelancers and complex publishing schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead a centralised editorial workflow, manage the critical path and ensure on-time delivery within budget and high quality.
• Oversee team capability and workloads, editorial plant costs, metadata accuracy, systems and backlist processes.
• Collaborate with publishers to deliver exceptional publishing experiences for authors and agents.

Job description

Closing date: 4th November 2026

Company: Simon & Schuster Australia

Location: Sydney

Type: Editorial

Status: Fulltime permanent

Salary Description: Competitive & Benefits

Job Profile

Simon & Schuster Australia is seeking a Head of Editorial Operations to join the Adult Editorial team.

This key leadership role oversees the people, systems and processes behind the successful delivery of our publishing programme.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Head of Editorial Operations will strengthen editorial processes, coordinate resources and ensure the division operates efficiently, effectively and with a clear commercial focus.

Job Role

The ideal candidate will collaborate with the publishers to lead a centralised editorial workflow, manage the critical path and ensure editorial work is delivered on time, within budget and to a consistently high standard. They will manage a team of project editors, overseeing team capability and workloads, editorial plant costs, metadata accuracy, systems and backlist processes, while ensuring authors and agents receive an exceptional publishing experience.

Candidate Profile

The Head of Editorial Operations will have a strong understanding of the publishing lifecycle and the role editorial operations play in delivering successful books and a positive author experience.

They will combine strategic thinking with close attention to detail, leading the project-editorial team across a varied list of fiction and non-fiction titles while balancing the needs of individual projects with the priorities of the wider publishing program. They will understand how strong systems, clear processes and effective planning can improve efficiency without compromising editorial quality.

With experience in trade publishing, people leadership and process improvement, they will bring strong editorial knowledge and the ability to manage budgets, freelancers, external suppliers and complex publishing schedules. They will be a clear and collaborative communicator who is committed to supporting authors, developing the team and delivering high-quality books.

Simon & Schuster Australia cannot accept applications from candidates without a legal right to work in Australia or who require visa sponsorship. Right to work checks are carried out on candidates who make it to offer stage.