Senior Commissioning Editor – Co-Edition, London or Brighton

The Quarto Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publishing company in the UK is looking for a Senior Commissioning Editor to enhance their co-edition program in illustrated non-fiction. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of experience in commissioning illustrated books, a strong creative vision, and the ability to manage projects from concept to full proposal. This full-time role offers a competitive salary starting from £42,000 and includes a range of benefits like paid holidays and health plans. Applications are encouraged ASAP due to potential early closure.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday per year

Employee Assistance Programme

Health Cash Plan

Pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Active social and diversity committees

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of commissioning experience in four-colour illustrated books.
• Strong understanding of trade and academic publishing standards.
• Experience with diverse markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation and commissioning of new book concepts.
• Manage projects from concept to full proposal.
• Shape a vibrant, internationally focused publishing list.
• Forge partnerships with authors.

Skills

Commissioning experience in illustrated non-fiction

Creative vision

Project management

Negotiation skills

Ability to build relationships

Job description

Senior Commissioning Editor – Co-Edition, London or Brighton

The Quarto Group 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 visual arts. This role 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 identify global opportunities and develop book projects from concept to full proposal.

Contract

Full-time, permanent

From £42,000 per year

22nd December 2025

Working hours

Full-time, Monday to Friday. Part-time would be considered for the right candidate. We currently operate a discretionary hybrid model.

About the role

You’ll lead the creation and commissioning of new book concepts with creative and commercial insight. You’ll manage projects from concept to full proposal.

The main tasks will be:

• Shape a vibrant, internationally focused publishing list.
• Dream up bold, original concepts that cross borders and captivate readers.
• Forge lasting partnerships with authors.
• Sell your vision — pitch ideas that will excite customers and deliver commercial impact.
• Own every project, from spark to full presentation, with editorial excellence at every step.
• Handle commissioning, contracts, and creative collaborations with flair.
• Team up with in-house talent to bring each book idea 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:

• Build on at least 3 to 5 years’ commissioning experience in four-colour, integrated illustrated books.
• Confidently own and steer your list, making smart, independent decisions.
• Build lasting relationships with authors and creatives.
• Spot and shape brilliant ideas into commercially strong, high-quality titles.
• Lead every stage with vision and precision.
• Successfully negotiate deals with authors and agents.
• 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 irrespective of disability, ethnic origin, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, belief, age, or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident 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.

May close early due to a high volume of applications. Don’t miss out—submit your application today!