Summary of the Commissioning Editor, Audio (7-month-FTC) job at Bertelsmann-Jobs

Job Description

At Penguin Random House Audio, we’re the UK’s leading audiobook publisher, dedicated to creating exceptional listening experiences for audiences everywhere. Working with some of the world’s most exciting authors, narrators and creative talent, we publish bestselling and award-winning audiobooks 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 a Commissioning Editor, Audio, on a 7-month fixed-term contract to lead the commissioning and delivery of major frontlist audiobooks, contribute to ambitious acquisitions and help create outstanding audio publishing for our authors and audiences. 

The role 

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, producers and recording partners, to deliver outstanding audiobooks 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 play an important role in identifying new publishing opportunities and building strong relationships across PRH Audio and the wider publishing business. 

Key responsibilities 

• 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, publishing teams and creative partners to deliver outstanding audiobooks. 
• Represent Audio in acquisitions and publishing conversations, bringing editorial judgement, audience understanding and 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, narrators and publishing colleagues, providing excellent author care and positioning Audio as a proactive and collaborative partner. 
• Work closely with colleagues across Audio, including marketing, operations, sales and 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. 

What you'll bring 

You’ll be a confident and collaborative editor with strong creative judgement, excellent organisation and a real enthusiasm for audio publishing. You’ll be comfortable taking ownership of major projects, making recommendations and building trusted relationships with colleagues and external partners. 

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

Essential criteria: 

• Editorial or commissioning experience within audiobooks, audio, book publishing or 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 considerations. 
• A collaborative, proactive approach, with the confidence to make recommendations, use initiative and contribute to wider publishing decisions. 

Desirable: 

• Experience commissioning or producing audiobooks or other audio content. 
• Knowledge of the audiobook market, narrators, talent and production processes. 

Disability Confident 

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request. 

Application instructions 

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 25th September 2026. 

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. 

We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you. 

Salary 

Circa £40,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits. 

Hybrid working
While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you would be in the office 3 days a week. 

Additional Information

Disclosure requirements pertaining to the collection of your personal data:

Responsible for processing the information provided in your application is the company specified in the job advertisement, with its registered office as indicated. The company processes your data for the purpose of establishing an employment relationship on the basis of Art. 6 (1) b GDPR / Section 26 (1) sentence 1 BDSG.

The retention period for your data is determined by the statutory time limits applicable in the respective country, beginning upon completion of the recruitment process. You can find these here.

You can contact the company’s Data Protection Officer at the above-mentioned postal address. 

Further information on data protection and your rights can be found here.
 

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