Senior Commissioning Editor/Associate Publisher role, depending on experience, Parental Leave cover
The Quarto Group is seeking a creative, driven and experienced candidate to cover 6 Months of Maternity Leave for the Quintessence imprint.
This is a co-edition imprint producing illustrated non-fiction reference, covering categories such as visual arts, natural history, popular science,
popular culture, food culture, interiors, lifestyle, and gift. This is a key role in our new titles team and offers the chance to shape the list and
commission creative and commercially viable titles across a range of subjects. You will generate and commission standout book concepts
with strong market appeal, editorial quality and good commercial sense. Experience in English Language Co-Edition and expertise in relevant
categories are a plus.
Contract
Full-time, Fixed Term 6 Months
Salary
From £45,000 per year
Closing date
8th April 2026
Working hours
Full-time, Monday to Friday. We currently operate a discretionary hybrid model. Based in London
About the role
You will lead the creation and commissioning of new book concepts with creative and commercial insight and manage each project from concept to full proposal.
The main tasks will be:
- Shape a dynamic, internationally focused publishing list.
- Investigate the commercial viability of each idea in the context of our customer base, market awareness and sales feedback.
- Research, identify and engage the perfect authors for each project.
- Drive every project, from initial concept to full presentation
- Handle budgeting, commissioning, and author contracts
- Collaborate with the in-house team to bring each book idea to life on time and on budget.
- Brief and hand over confirmed proposals to the live team
About you
You’ll bring strategic insight and proven experience in commissioning illustrated nonfiction for international markets, with a strong understanding of trade and academic
publishing standards.
You’ll thrive in this role if you can:
- Bring at least 5 years’ commissioning experience in four-colour, non-fiction
- integrated illustrated books.
- Confidently shape authors’ texts into convincing proposals and sales copy with a
- strong instinct for editorial excellence.
- Build lasting relationships with authors and creatives.
- Spot and shape brilliant ideas into commercially strong, high-quality titles.
- Lead every stage with initiative, drive and energy
- Successfully negotiate deals with authors and agents.
- Collaborate 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
- Cultural appreciation day (to honour a cultural holiday which is significant to you, separate to your holiday entitlement)
- 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
- Open plan, hot desking office environment
How to apply
Please send a CV and cover letter to talent@quarto.com 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 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 are only able to respond to candidates selected for interview. We will keep applications on file for 6 months should a suitable vacancy arise. If you’d rather we didn’t, please let us know with your application.
May close early due to a high volume of applications. Don't miss out—submit your application today!