Editorial Manager, French-language titles

• Plan, schedule, and project-manage a range of titles across different subject areas, following differing bookmaking workflows: some titles will be translated and typeset into French from edited English layouts; others will be authored, designed, and project-managed in French.
• Understand the agreed specifications for each book, including word count, image count, trimmed page size, extent, binding style, and finishes, and alert the relevant Commissioning Editor of any deviations.
• Strive to adhere to each book’s schedule and communicate proactively with colleagues when dates are in jeopardy.
• Consult each book’s contract and ensure that all contractual requirements have been met.
• Maintain appropriate communication with key external stakeholders, including authors, photographers, sponsors, or institutional partners, ensuring requirements and approval stages are met.
• Review, assess, develop, and, in some cases, copy-edit French-language manuscripts.
• Recruit and commission French-language translators, editors, proofreaders, and indexers as necessary, negotiating fees, assessing quality of work, providing feedback, and processing payments.
• Liaise with French-language authors to secure approval of edits and resolve queries.
• Assess and key corrections from authors, sponsors, or other institutional partners, whether these are provided in French or English, and whether working in Word or InDesign.
• Collaborate closely with the English-language bookmaking team, as well as colleagues in Production, Design, and Rights as necessary.
• Adhere to the technical requirements of the T&H bookmaking process, including correct working methods in InDesign; training will be offered.
• Translate or write French-language jacket copy and other sales or marketing copy as required, and provide spreads or other materials for Marketing or Sales as requested.
• Prepare copyright pages in French and check all stages of French text proofs and plotter proofs, both insides and covers/jackets.
• On French-authored titles: liaise closely with the designer, author, and any external sponsor or partner to reach an approved layout and cover.
• On English-authored titles: brief designer to typeset French text and prepare French interior and cover files for Production.
• Maintain up-to-date title records, metadata, WiP notes, and schedule status in Libro.
• Attend and contribute to relevant WiP, Planning, Book Fair, or other meetings, and liaise with the Publishing Programme Director to troubleshoot issues and report on project status.

• Exceptional native-level French-language editorial skills, with first-class command of French spelling, grammar, style, copy-editing, and proofreading.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Outstanding editorial, bookmaking, communication, teamwork, and project management skills, gained through in-house work for an illustrated publisher or the publishing division of a museum, gallery, or university.
• The ability to manage diverse and complex projects simultaneously.
• A collaborative and confident approach to working with a wide range of colleagues, both in-house and external.
• The ability to balance perfectionism with pragmatism, firmness with flexibility, and to juggle competing priorities calmly and constructively.
• A broad awareness of, and interest in, art, fashion, visual culture, and current cultural trends.
• A keen eye for detail.
• Visual awareness and an appreciation of good book design.
• Some understanding of the print and production processes of illustrated publishing.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign and Acrobat.
• Curiosity about new technologies and openness to exploring new digital tools and ways of working, including AI, where appropriate.
• An existing network of French-language translators, editors, proofreaders, indexers, or other editorial freelancers is advantageous.

Our values are creativity, integrity, respect, communication, and excellence. For this role, we will be especially interested in how you:

• Apply careful editorial and visual judgment to French-language illustrated books.
• Take responsibility for editorial accuracy, schedules, approval stages, and freelancer commissioning.
• Build professional, responsive, and ambassadorial relationships with authors, partners, freelancers, and colleagues.
• Communicate clearly across French and English, keeping colleagues and external contacts informed.
• Maintain high standards while balancing quality, deadlines, and the practical realities of book production.

• 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Profit share scheme
• Interest-free loan for rent deposit or season travel ticket
• Discounts off Thames & Hudson books and distributed titles
• Generous pension contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme and retail discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free entry into hundreds of museums and galleries nationwide

(Some benefits are subject to eligibility.)

• To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to Sophie Castle at [email protected].
• Please use your cover letter to explain how you meet the requirements of the role.
• Closing date: 31 July 2026