Publishing Director, Nonfiction Hub — 12-Month FTC

Penguin Random House UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

You will lead Penguin Random House UK’s Ebury Smart Hub as Publishing Director and Head of Ebury Smart Hub, a 12-month fixed term contract covering parental leave starting March 2027. You will shape strategy, oversee a dynamic team and drive compelling non-fiction lists.

Key focus includes leading acquisitions, nurturing author relationships, and delivering distinctive campaigns across memoir, biography, current affairs and science, balancing creative ambition with commercial delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong track record of commissioning successful, ambitious non-fiction.
• Established network of authors and agents.
• Editorial judgement with a passion for voice-driven, ideas-led work.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with commercial delivery.

Responsibilities

• Set the vision and strategy for Ebury Smart, shaping an ambitious and commercially successful list.
• Inspire and lead a talented team, fostering creativity, pace and inclusion.
• Lead acquisitions, signing exceptional authors and ideas with creative flair and impact.
• Keep commissioning ambitious across memoir, biography, narrative non-fiction, current affairs, history, science and big ideas.
• Represent Ebury Smart at the highest level, building relationships with agents, authors and partners.
• Drive collaboration across editorial, marketing and publicity to create distinctive campaigns.
• Build author relationships and deliver books to high standards balancing creativity and delivery.

Skills

Commissioning non-fiction

Leadership

Editorial judgement

Industry network

Strategic thinking

Job description

You will lead Penguin Random House UK’s Ebury Smart Hub as Publishing Director and Head of Ebury Smart Hub, a 12-month fixed term contract covering parental leave starting March 2027. You will shape strategy, oversee a dynamic team and drive compelling non-fiction lists.

Key focus includes leading acquisitions, nurturing author relationships, and delivering distinctive campaigns across memoir, biography, current affairs and science, balancing creative ambition with commercial delivery.