Commissioning Editor, Audio; -FTC)

Job Description

At Penguin Random House Audio,we’rethe UK’s leading audiobook publisher, dedicated to creating exceptional listening experiences for audiences everywhere. Working with some of the world’s most exciting authors,narrator sand creative talent, we publish bestselling and award-winning audio books across every genre — from major frontlist releases to carefully curated catalogue publishing.

Audio is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing areas of publishing, and at PRH Audio we combine creative ambition with commercial rigour to deliver market-leading work.

We are now looking for aCommissioning Editor, Audio, on a 7-month fixed-term contract to lead the commissioning and delivery of major frontlist audio books, contribute to ambitious acquisitions and help create outstanding audio publishing for our authors and audiences.

Reporting to the Audio Editorial Director, the Commissioning Editor will take ownership of a portfolio of major frontlist audio publications, shaping creative ambition from acquisition through to publication.

You will work closely with publishing teams across PRH, as well as authors, narrators, agents,producer sand recording partners, to deliver outstanding audio books on time and to budget. You will bring strong editorial judgement to casting and production decisions, contribute confidently to acquisitions conversations, and balance creative ambition with commercial and practical considerations.

You will also playan important roleinidentifyingnew publishing opportunities and building strong relationships across PRH Audio and the wide publishing business.

• Lead the commissioning and delivery of major frontlist audio publications, shaping creative direction from acquisition through to publication.
• Make confident casting and production decisions, working with authors, publishingteamsand creative partners to deliver outstanding audio books.
• Represent Audio in acquisitions and publishing conversations, bringing editorial judgement, audienceunderstandingand commercial awareness.
• Identify and contribute to new publishing and catalogue opportunities, working with senior editorial colleagues to assess their creative and commercial potential.
• Build strong relationships with authors, agents,narrator sand publishing colleagues, providing excellent author care and positioning Audio as a proactive and collaborative partner.
• Work closely with colleagues across Audio, including marketing,operations,salesand production, to deliver ambitious and joined-up publishing.
• Take ownership of projects under your remit, managing priorities,budgets and schedules to ensure high-quality publishing is delivered on time and to budget.

You’llbe a confident and collaborative editor with strong creative judgement, excellentorganisationand a real enthusiasm for audio publishing.

You’llbe comfortable taking ownership of major projects, makingrecommendationsand building trusted relationships with colleagues and external partners.

You’ll understand that great audio publishing combines creative ambition with commercial awareness, andwill be able to prioritise effectively across a busy list whilemaintainingexcellent standards of author care and delivery.

• Editorial or commissioning experience within audio books, audio, bookpublishingor a related content environment, with strong creative and editorial judgement.
• Excellent project-management and organisational skills, with the ability to take ownership of multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness, including an understanding of budgets and the ability to balance creative ambition with financial…