Assistant Editor, Collins (12 month FTC)

HarperCollins UK; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins, part of HarperCollins UK, invites applications for an Assistant Editor on a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Glasgow. You will support Editorial Project Managers across reference titles, research, proofreading, briefing freelancers, and coordinating content with internal teams.

The role offers a strong growth path in publishing with a collaborative, busy team. The position begins in-office in Glasgow, with a phased move to hybrid working as the project progresses.

Qualifications

• Experience in an editorial or publishing environment.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable communicating with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to Editorial Project Managers in delivering reference titles.
• Assist in research and planning of upcoming projects.
• Proofread, edit and review content for accuracy and style.
• Assist with briefing editorial and design freelancers.
• Assist with picture research and rights clearance.
• Use InDesign to update files and create print-ready PDFs.
• Liaise with stakeholders and share project documentation.
• Provide general administrative support to the editorial team.

Skills

Editorial experience

Multitasking

Deadline driven

Communication

Adobe Acrobat

MS Word

Adobe InDesign

Tools

Adobe InDesign

MS Word

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Assistant Editor, Collins (12 month FTC)

Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Glasgow

Compensation: £28,000 - £29,000 / year

Description

Collins is one of the most well-known and trusted names in publishing, delivering a diverse range of titles across adult reference, children’s reference, cartographic and language lists. We are looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Assistant Editor to join our busy and collaborative team on a 12-month contract, providing vital support to our Editorial Project Managers. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their editorial career to gain hands‑on experience across a variety of publishing tasks, working within a warm and dedicated team that is passionate about creating books that inform, inspire and delight readers of all ages.

Please note, this role will initially require 5 days per week in the Glasgow office, then move to a phased hybrid structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to Editorial Project Managers in delivering reference titles across the Collins list, including Adult General Reference, Children’s Reference, Cartography and Language titles
• Assist in the research and planning of upcoming projects
• Proofread, edit and review content to ensure accuracy, consistency and adherence to style guides
• Assist with briefing editorial and design freelancers
• Assist with picture research and rights clearance
• Use InDesign to update files and create print-ready PDFs
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, sharing relevant project documentation and files
• Provide general administrative support to the editorial team

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Some experience in an editorial or publishing environment
• Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload based on deadlines
• Confident decision maker
• Positive, can‑do attitude with a willingness to learn
• Able to receive and action feedback
• Calm under pressure and comfortable working to tight deadlines
• Comfortable communicating clearly and professionally with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Proficient in MS Word and Adobe Acrobat
• Experience using Adobe InDesign would be advantageous