Introduction to the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the multi-award-winning Audio team at HarperCollins. We are looking for a creative, organised and proactive audiobook professional to bring their knowledge of the market and prior experience to lead the ambitious audio publishing programme for some of our biggest literary fiction and non-fiction publishing lists.

As Senior Audio Editor you will be responsible for the audio publishing programme for William Collins, Fourth Estate and Collins Reference, and delivering on our Total Audio commitment (uniquely among UK publishers, HarperCollins is committed to releasing an audiobook edition of every narrative print book we publish, on the same publication date as the title’s other formats).

Recent publications on these lists include Living Planet by Sir David Attenborough, Magpie by Elizabeth Day, I Used to Live Here Once by Miranda Seymour, and Learn Japanese for Beginners by Paul Noble.

You will be casting audiobook projects for these divisions with the best acting talent and working with studio partners so that projects are produced to the highest quality, on time and to budget. You will also liaise closely with divisional colleagues on wider conversations around acquisitions, P&Ls and audio spend. You will advocate for the audio format in the publication process, with a large team of internal and external stakeholders, and you will deliver excellent author care. Please note that this is not a hands-on studio production role.

This role is the perfect opportunity for an experienced audio professional who loves literary fiction and non-fiction to flourish. The ideal candidate will know the audio space inside out, with great ideas on what makes an award-winning audiobook and good knowledge of the latest developments in the wider audio industry.

Key tasks and accountabilities

• Leads and champions audio with divisional colleagues throughout the publishing process, with the aim of delivering best-in-class audio

• Casts productions with creativity and authenticity, keeping up to date with new and existing voice talent and maintaining good working relationships with voice agents

• Manages the critical path, and liaises with internal and external stakeholders, to ensure all titles are cast, scripts assigned, and audio delivered on time and to budget

• Liaises with in-house colleagues on all aspects of publishing – including acquisitions, pitches, marketing, publicity, sales and production – to ensure smooth running of the division’s audio schedule and promote the catalogue

• Big-name talent management, including occasional in-studio directing and in-person studio visits

• Negotiates narrator fees and terms with talent agents

• Leads audio product development for assigned divisions – including audio originals and podcasting

• Works closely with assigned divisions to promote audio and advise on new opportunities and audio products, from identifying backlist opportunities to producing original material

• Responsible for divisional audio rights pitches and acquisitions

• Delivers excellent author care on every project

Experience required

• Experience in an audio editorial role, working with studios and producers to bring stories to life with innovative and exciting audio production techniques

• An in-depth knowledge of, and passion for, literary fiction and a broad range of non-fiction

• Knowledge of the audiobook market and experience working in the audio industry – this can include audio publishing, podcasting, radio, or other areas of the audio industry

• Experience in dealing with literary and/or theatrical agents and booking talent

Skills required

• Strong project management skills and ability to oversee multiple projects at once

• Ability to work creatively to specific briefs

• Collaborative team player who can work with many internal and external stakeholders

• Highly organised with great time management skills

• Attention to detail and ability to apply this to the close reading and preparation of manuscripts, precise casting briefs, and intricate productions

• Commercial acumen – particularly in how to produce audio content that will drive sales and reach new consumers

• Proven interpersonal, relationship-building, communication and presentation skills

• Adept at coping with fast-paced agendas, changing schedules and tight deadlines

Benefits

• Hybrid working model (2+ days in the office)

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)

• Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave

• Private healthcare cover and life assurance

• Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal

• Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme

• Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work and Pride at HC

• Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes

• Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers

• Gym membership discount

• Onsite physiotherapy (London only)

• Charitable donation matching and volunteering day

• We're a certified Carbon Neutral company

• Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books

• Subsidised canteen and retail discounts

• Onsite prayer room

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to our Talent Acquisition Manager at stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.