Assistant Editor

Sheffield, London

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 27 July 2026

Who we are and what we do

Launched in May 2024, Headline Press is home to thought-provoking books that challenge and inspire. Cementing Headline’s rapidly growing reputation for serious non-fiction with broad commercial appeal, the list focuses on politics and current affairs, history, smart thinking, popular science and memoir. Our mission is to publish authentic, accessible and authoritative voices, aimed at the widest possible audience.

What you'll be doing

We are looking for a highly organised, innovative and creative self-starter to join the Headline Press editorial team in the key role of Assistant Editor.

Reporting to the Publisher and Editorial Director, you will be project managing our most high-profile and complex books on the Headline Press list from manuscript to final files. You will also have the opportunity to cut your teeth at commissioning in the serious non-fiction space. You will be involved in every stage in the life of a book – from developing concepts, creating pitches and writing engaging cover and sales copy, to managing titles through the publication process, including legal reads. A flexible attitude and good time management skills are essential, as is the ability to prioritise under pressure. Your day will involve lots of detail-oriented work, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to develop and stretch your commercial and creative muscles. You’ll liaise directly with authors, literary agents, read submissions, attend author events, and get stuck into manuscripts and copywriting.

It’s a collaborative role which will see you working closely with staff in all other departments, contributing creatively to marketing and publicity plans, so you will need to be an outstanding communicator and solid team player.

Who we are looking for

You will have at least one year's editorial experience, preferably in trade non-fiction. You will be:

Highly organised and a good problem-solver

Great at time management with the ability to prioritise a high workload, manage conflicting deadlines and keep a cool head under pressure

An excellent proofreader with a meticulous eye for detail

A good communicator – diplomatic, and confident in chasing other departments, freelancers and authors as necessary

Motivated and enthusiastic, with a ‘can-do’ attitude

Interested in a broad range of commercial non-fiction publishing including politics and current affairs, history, smart thinking, popular science and memoir

Competent in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of Biblio would be an advantage

Passionate about current affairs, with your finger on the pulse of the latest trends

What we offer

28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)

Private medical insurance

Dental insurance

Generous pension schemes

Rent deposit loans

2 community days per year

Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)

Retail discounts through Hachette rewards

Cycle to Work scheme

Eye care vouchers

Wide-ranging training library

Development programmes (including mentoring)

Up to 70% off book purchases

A charity bookshelf

An active range of staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing, Women in Tech and religious networks

Season ticket loans

And much more!

The role will be based at our London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Our commitment

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application. We’ll make sure you’re supported throughout the process.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org