**Company** Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honours and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com . **The Job Profile** Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of Contracts will lead the Contracts team in delivering a focused, high-quality service to the publishing divisions and share insight and advice to those negotiating on the company’s behalf. They will also be responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts for the acquisition and licensing of rights in co-operation with the UK, Australia and India Editorial and Rights teams. **The Job Role** The role primarily focuses on the drafting and negotiation of contracts with authors, agents, publishers, and other third parties for the acquisition of various rights across key territories, including the UK, Australia, and India. A crucial aspect of the position involves reviewing and analysing U.S. and international rights agreements, working closely with internal stakeholders to negotiate favourable terms. The successful candidate will provide expert legal and contractual advice to Editorial teams, ensuring the use of appropriate and consistent terms and conditions. They will also serve as a key advisor to the Rights department on a wide range of contractual matters. In addition, the role includes leading the UK Contracts team—overseeing workflow, maintaining high-quality standards, and supporting team members’ professional growth and development. **The Candidate Profile** The ideal candidate will be a confident and effective negotiator with excellent verbal and written communication skills. They should possess the ability to draft and interpret complex contractual language with accuracy and clarity. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building and maintaining effective working relationships across departments and with external partners. A minimum of three years’ experience working with publishing or media-related contracts is required, with trade publishing experience considered highly desirable. Candidates should have a solid understanding of current publishing practices, a graduate-level education or equivalent, and a thorough knowledge of copyright law and rights ownership. While a legal background is advantageous, it is not a prerequisite for the role. **Apply** Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter by 25 July. _Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all._ _Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof._ **Job Details** **Pay Type** **Salary**