Rights Director, Penguin Random House UK

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and collaborative Rights Director to lead our high performing rights business for the Michael Joseph, Transworld and Vintage divisions here at Penguin Random House UK. Managing a team of seven, this role sits within the PRH adult rights group team. We are looking for someone who will thrive both in building deep relationships and growing our rights business across the three publishing divisions and as a strategic leader across the group team as a whole.   

With some of the biggest author names in the business, the titles across these divisions range from prestigious literary fiction to the latest debut romantasy and an extensive range of non-fiction across many genres. To succeed in this position, you will be highly energised by the opportunity to work with a wide range of authors and internal and external stakeholders and passionate about the role you can play in the growth of our business.   

This role reports to the Group Adult Rights Director. 

The role 

In this role you will work closely with the publishing divisions in the acquisition of rights and you’ll inspire and steer your team to ensure that they are successful in maximising licensing opportunities and revenue potential. The remit includes developing the rights vision, direction and goals for each division, selling North American rights, delivering to budgets, setting ambitious targets and managing the team to ensure they deliver the best service possible for authors, agents and customers alike. You will be part of the PRH Rights Management team to help shape the future of this dynamic central group function.   

What you’ll bring: 

• Proven experience in a senior rights position within the book publishing industry.*  

• Outstanding entrepreneurial instincts and a pro-active approach to acquiring, selling and managing rights.*  

• An exceptional negotiator with proven influencing skills at all levels and a track record of major deals.*  

• Excellent customer relationships ideally in the US market and proven skill at driving new business growth.*   

• A supportive and motivational leader, able to empower your team to meet strategic goals and deadlines whilst ensuring a high, professional standard as well building on a strong, collaborative and inclusive team culture.*  

• An opportunistic individual who is curious about new opportunities and developments in the marketplace with sophisticated interpersonal skills and the winning ability to inspire trust and enthusiasm in others.  

• An appetite and ability to manage risk and change. 

Application instructions 

Please apply with your CV and cover letter by 11:59pm on Sunday 8th December. Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. 

First interviews will take place in-person at our Embassy Gardens office towards the end of the week commencing Monday 9th December.    

What you can expect from us 

Competitive salary, bonus and benefits in line with the Penguin Random House UK leadership pay approach.  

Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.  

Our benefits include: 

• Financial – income protection, life assurance, childcare allowance 

• Wellbeing – healthcare cash plan, critical illness cover, health checks 

• Lifestyle – enhanced parental leave, tech scheme, free and discounted books 

For our full benefits list please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/what-we-offer/ 

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. We will be happy to discuss this further as part of the interview process.  

About Penguin 

We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. 

The recruitment process 

You can read about our recruitment process at https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/how-we-hire/ 

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 marked with an asterisk* 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 to for us to support your request. 

Please note, we are not able to accept agency CVs for this role. Any CVs sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee. 

Company: The Random House Group Limited 

Country: United Kingdom 

State/Region: London 

City: London 

Postal Code: SW11 7BW 

Job ID: 275809