Contracts Team Leader

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.  We’re looking for a Contracts Team Leader to join our Royalties team based at our office in Frating, Colchester. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our royalty and contracts data. Reporting to the Finance Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the team — reviewing new and amended contract information within the royalty system to ensure our calculation database remains precise, reliable, and fit for purpose. This role will suit someone who enjoys analysing detailed contractual clauses and brings a collaborative leadership style. Alongside your technical expertise, you’ll bring strong people leadership skills. Acting as a direct line manager to 3 Contracts Administrators, you’ll support the team’s development while helping to maintain high standards in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role offers the opportunity to develop deeper expertise in royalties and publishing contracts within a supportive team structure. Key Responsibilities: Contractual Checking: Review and approve new contractual agreements, ensuring all royalty data is captured correctly. Check contract amendments made in the royalty system are consistent with new terms agreed under Addendums to original Contractual Agreements Monitor and authorise changes of Ownership of publishing rights, per novation agreements signed by authors Interpret unusual contract clauses, and query with the contracts department where required People Management: Carry out performance reviews and development discussions for direct reports Co-ordinate and organise training across the team to meet the needs of the individual and the business Carry out absence management interviews, including monitoring where necessary Manage team workload and administrative processes Period End Accounting: Work with Finance Manager in the production of Half Yearly Royalty Statements ready for sending to authors/agents Update Royalty Statements for more complex royalty clauses What You'll Bring: Essential criteria: Experience reviewing, interpreting or validating contractual or financial data Experience in leading an office-based team Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret detailed contractual clauses Strong attention to detail Experience in a high-volume transaction business area where accuracy is essential Strong numerical skills A positive, flexible, and enthusiastic attitude 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 11:59pm on Thursday 12th March. 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. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length. 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 £34,000 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 will attend our office in Frating, Essex, one day per week. Benefits Income Protection Health assessment Gym flex Life event leave Dental insurance Cycle scheme Please note that we do not accept any CVs via agencies, and any sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee.