Careers at Curious Universe
We are an equal opportunities employer with a flexible approach. Hiring the right team is of paramount importance to us so we work with all employees to ensure they can ‘Work Where they Work Best’. Our hybrid working solution allows us to cater to the different needs of our workforce whilst still providing outstanding service to our customers. Both yours and the business’s needs will be discussed at interview to reach a mutually beneficial working schedule.
We are always keen to hear from people wishing to work with us so please review our current job vacancies below.
Lead Editor
Purpose of the Role
Working closely with the Editorial Director and Director of Product, this role will be responsible for creatively leading a large and varied list of titles.
Mainly focussing on all CUL Book and Stationery projects, the Lead Editor will project manage, write and commission all editorial content, as well as creatively managing Editors and Assistant Editors on an approved list of titles.
Main responsibilities
- To have editorial responsibility for a list of CUL products, including commissioning editorial content, creating schedules, proofreading, editorial management and quality control. This will focus mainly on Books and Stationery
- Creatively manage an agreed list of titles with Editors and Assistant Editors, including briefing out titles, signing of their Sales Material briefs and manuscripts, keeping them on track and to schedule
- Schedule in bi-weekly 121s with the team, as a space to creatively chat through their list of managed titles
- Quality control – working hard to ensure all products that are managed and worked on by the Editors and Assistant Editors is to standard, age appropriate and editorially sound
- Working closely with the Editorial Director to creatively plan products and concepts by carrying out research and attending brainstorming meetings
- Deputising for the Editorial Director by attending meetings and helping with product sign-off at peak times
- Ensure any sales material is created to the agreed deadlines and is commercial, age appropriate, on-brand, on-trend, suitable for translations and of a high standard
- Ensure that all product is created and delivered on budget
- Act as creative point of contact internally and externally for a list of projects
- Create briefs for in-house designers or external freelancers, agreeing budgets with the Director of Product and supplying contracts as required
- Overseeing all text that is added to the Curious Universe website, ensuring it is proofread, written to house style and is lively and fun to read for customers
- Identify potential new authors, proof-readers, editors and other freelance contributors and review talent pool to ensure best people are being used
- For titles with components, work with the Director of Product to identify suitable components and liaise with Procurement and Compliance about creative direction and safety requirements
- Propose innovative ways to re-purpose content
- Keep up to date with developments in the Children’s book, stationery, craft, and toy market, press, trends and design/photography, and awareness of competitor product
- Propose new format ideas and innovative content
- Assist Director of Product with planning and preparation for strategic meetings and New Title Presentations
- Regular communication to ensure critical path dates are made visible and that any slippages are understood
- Employee relations issues dealt with in accordance with policies and procedures and in consultation with HR where appropriate
- Work as part of the Curious Universe community to create a positive, tolerant and harmonious work environment
- Deal with all staff in a helpful, courteous and respectful manner
- Actively participate in the giving and receiving of constructive feedback to ensure understanding and open team relationships
Skills & Experience
- At least 5 years relevant experience in a similar role within a related industry (Publishing, Toys, Gift or Stationery)
- Exceptional organisation skills and fully able to build workable schedules and project timelines that ensure all key deadlines are met
- Highly creative and innovative, with the ability to problem-solve
- Strong editorial, proofreading and copy-writing skills
- Design knowledge and strong written and verbal communication skills
- Basic understanding of Adobe InDesign and Acrobat
- Experience of managing multiple schedules
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Able to build successful working relationships with external suppliers
- Initiative, honesty and integrity
- Positive can-do attitude within a fast-changing environment
- A team player
What We Offer
- An opportunity to work with a creative and passionate team dedicated to producing exceptional products.
- A flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
Competitive compensation and benefits package.
This role is based full time in our office in Bath UK.
Deadline for applications is 24th January 2025.