Senior Commissioning Editor – Co-Edition, The Bright Press (Quarto) The Bright Press (Quarto)

Bookmachine; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a creative Senior Commissioning Editor to enhance their illustrated non-fiction program. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of illustrated books, covering diverse subjects such as science and pop culture. You will manage projects from concept to publication, generating standout book concepts with strong market appeal. Join a supportive environment that values creativity and offers excellent benefits, including generous holiday allowances and professional development opportunities. If you have a passion for publishing and a knack for building relationships, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts

Health Cash Plan

Pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Summer hours

Free books scheme

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 completion while building partnerships.

Skills

Commissioning illustrated non-fiction

Project management

Building global relationships

Creative vision

Commercial insight

Education

Experience in publishing

Knowledge of trade and academic publishing

Job description

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

Salary

Up to £45,000 per year

Closing date

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
• Free books scheme
• Active social and diversity committees

How to apply

Please send a CV and cover letter [e-mail] 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.