Senior Commissioning Editor – Co-Edition, The Bright Press

The Quarto Group; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative publishing house is seeking a Senior Commissioning Editor to elevate its co-edition program in illustrated non-fiction. This exciting role involves generating standout book concepts across various subjects, including science and the arts. You will manage projects from inception to publication, ensuring editorial excellence while fostering global partnerships. Join a supportive environment that values creativity and offers opportunities for professional development. If you're passionate about shaping the future of illustrated books and thrive in a dynamic setting, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts

Health Cash Plan

Pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Summer hours

Active social and diversity committees

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commissioning illustrated non-fiction.
• Strong understanding of trade and academic publishing standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and commissioning of new book concepts.
• Manage projects from concept to publication.
• Build global publishing partnerships.

Skills

Commissioning illustrated non-fiction

Project management

Market analysis

Creative vision

Relationship building

Education

Degree in Publishing or related field

Job description

Senior Commissioning Editor – Co-Edition, The Bright Press

The Bright Press is seeking a creative and driven Senior Commissioning Editor to enhance our co-edition program in illustrated non-fiction, covering subjects like science, natural history, gardening, pop culture, and the arts. This role, based in Brighton, offers the chance to shape the future of illustrated books by combining creative vision with commercial insight.

You will generate and commission standout book concepts with strong market appeal and editorial quality. While experience in science and natural history is a plus, expertise in other relevant areas is also welcome. You'll manage projects from concept to publication, identify global opportunities, and build lasting relationships with our international publishing partners.

Contract

Full-time, permanent

Up to £45,000 per year

28 th May 2025

Working hours

Full-time, Monday to Friday.We currently operate a discretionary hybrid model, with three days in our Brighton office and two working from home.

About the role

You'll lead the creation and commissioning of new book concepts—especially in natural history, science, and related areas—driving your own list with creative and commercial insight. You’ll manage projects from concept to completion while building strong global publishing partnerships.

The main tasks will be:

• Shape and lead a vibrant, internationally focused publishing list.
• Dream up bold, original concepts that cross borders and captivate readers.
• Forge lasting partnerships with global publishers, authors, and illustrators.
• Sell your vision—pitch ideas that excite clients and deliver commercial impact.
• Own every project, from spark to shelf, with editorial excellence at every step.
• Handle commissioning, contracts, and creative collaborations with flair.
• Team up with in-house talent to bring each book to life—on time and on budget.
• Keep your finger on the pulse—track success and fine-tune for global appeal.

About you

You’ll bring strategic insight and proven experience commissioning illustrated non-fiction for diverse markets, with a strong understanding of trade and academic publishing standard.

You’ll thrive in this role if you can:

• Confidently own and steer your list, making smart, independent decisions.
• Build lasting global relationships with clients, authors, and creatives.
• Spot and shape brilliant ideas into commercially strong, high-quality titles.
• Lead every stage—from concept to print—with vision and precision.
• Negotiate deals and manage budgets that deliver both impact and profit.
• Collaborate seamlessly with in-house teams to keep projects running smoothly.

What we can offer

A supportive, open environment with development opportunities, as well as the following benefits:

• 25 days paid holiday per year (increasing up to 30 days per year), plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts on selected shops, retailers, and restaurants
• Health Cash Plan
• Pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Summer hours
• Active social and diversity committees

How to apply

Please send a CV and cover letter to [e-mail] by the closing date and state the vacancy name in the email subject title.

Ensure you cover the following:

• Your motivation and what appeals to you about this particular role
• What key skills, experience and achievements do you have that you think are relevant to this role, and why. Please provide examples of how you have used or demonstrated those.
• Where you saw the vacancy advertised

All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for the vacancy.

We employ individuals based on their abilities and welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of disability, ethnic origin, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, belief, age, or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we aim to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for disabled people. Therefore, we encourage you to inform us of any reasonable adjustments you may require during your interview process. Please note, you only need to disclose information that you are comfortable sharing in order for us to accommodate your request.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we only be able to respond to candidates selected for interview.