Job Description

Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com .

The Children’s Publishing Division

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books is one of the leading children’s publishers in the UK, dedicated to immersing children of all ages in diverse and creative reading experiences, encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Founded in 1998, it has a record of continuously strong sales, prestigious awards, and numerous high quality and bestselling titles and series. The colour list is industry-leading and internationally renowned. Much-loved authors and illustrators include Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet (Barry the Fish with Fingers, Supertato), Benji Davies (The Storm Whale series), Lu Fraser (Littlest Yak) Smriti Halls and Steve Small (I’m Sticking with You) and Claire Freedman and Ben Cort (the Aliens Love Underpants series). Simon & Schuster Children’s Books won Children’s Publisher of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards.

The Job Profile

In this role you’ll create, shape, champion and publish books that delight and captivate young readers. It is a hands-on role within the picture book team. This is a terrific opportunity to impact a list within an award-winning and ambitious team.

Working closely with the picture book editorial and design teams, you will acquire, manage, and champion picture books at Simon & Schuster, with a focus on UK growth, driving IP and trend-led titles. You will develop, acquire, and manage titles and series for the list, working in close collaboration with internal, external, and international stakeholders.

You will represent and champion Simon & Schuster Children’s Books and act as an ambassador for the company externally.

Candidate Profile

You believe in the life-changing potential of reading for pleasure and have a special passion for picture books that inspire a lifelong love of reading. You have a strong understanding of the children’s media landscape and are attuned to the interests of modern children and families. You are passionate about creating a creative, innovative, and standout range of publishing for picture book-aged children.

You enjoy mentoring and empowering team members. Working closely with both internal and external stakeholders, you have the interpersonal skills to build strong in-house relationships and excel in author, illustrator, and agent care.

Strong market awareness, both in the UK and internationally, is essential. You are likely to have built a successful career in editorial and are deeply passionate about picture book publishing. You are commercially minded and confident in creating and analysing P&Ls. You will be able to demonstrate experience in list-building and managing picture book titles from submission to publication.

Experience in managing or creating IP for children aged 3–5, and/or managing bestselling series publishing (including licensing) in the picture book market, will be advantageous.

We are a small team, so a collaborative approach is key. You will be willing to pitch in across all areas and bring strong communication, project management, and time-management skills.

Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter addressed to Louise Grosart, with details of your current salary and expectations. Both full-time and part-time applicants are encouraged to apply.

Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including theWorkplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.