Managing Director

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Managing Director to lead Inpress, the Arts Council England funded organisation at the heart of the UK’s independent publishing and poetry communities. This is a unique opportunity to steer a dynamic, values-driven business that champions bold literary voices, supports a diverse network of independent publishers, and brings poetry and literature to new and wider audiences. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, this role combines commercial acumen with cultural leadership and offers the chance to shape the future of two respected organisations, Inpress and the Poetry Book Society, with national reach and international ambition.

SALARY: £50,000 - £54,000 pro rata

CONTRACT: Permanent

HOURS: 4 days a week

ANNUAL LEAVE: 25 days pro rata

LOCATION: Newcastle upon Tyne

WORKING PATTERN: minimum three days in the office

Inpress is the UK’s specialist sales and marketing agency for independent publishers, representing over 60 innovative presses from across the UK and Ireland, connecting their distinctive poetry, fiction, writing in translation and non-fiction with readers and booksellers worldwide. Our publishers produce over 400 titles a year, many award-winning, all original and culturally vital. We provide tailored sales support, national representation, and strategic guidance to help them thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Founded in 1953 by T. S. Eliot, the Poetry Book Society (PBS) has long been a cornerstone of the UK poetry community. The PBS joined Inpress in 2016, and from its Newcastle home continues the mission to share the joy of poetry with readers everywhere. The PBS champions a rich and diverse range of voices from internationally acclaimed poets like Ilya Kaminsky to powerful emerging talents such as Raymond Antrobus. Through our curated poetry book club and poet selections, we introduce thousands of readers to new work each year.

As a mission-led organisation, we champion diversity, creativity, and access in publishing. The next Managing Director will lead Inpress and the PBS into their new chapters, building on strong foundations to grow our impact and reach even more readers with bold, independent voices. Deepening the impact of the PBS, and ensuring poetry remains a vibrant force in contemporary literature.

Role Description

The Managing Director is the senior executive position in the organisation, responsible for the effective management of Inpress and for its success, financial health and sustainability. The MD reports directly to the Chair of the board and is responsible for setting the overall strategy, managing staff members and client, customer and stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversight of two successful commercial businesses, ensuring their continued success
• Lead the development and implementation of Inpress’s business strategy.
• Ensure the financial sustainability and effective financial oversight of Inpress.
• Provide strategic leadership in financial decision-making.
• Lead the organisation’s legal, financial and governance compliance.
• Manage successful funding applications, particularly to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio.
• Provide effective leadership and management to a team of seven people, including direct line management of four senior staff and freelance staff.
• Lead on all key negotiations and contract agreements with staff, commercial partners, suppliers, and clients.
• Manage and maintain contractual relationships with publisher clients, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Stakeholder management of publisher clients, Inpress board, Arts Council England, key commercial partners.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Proven track record of senior management or leadership experience in the Publishing or Arts sector.
• Publishing industry knowledge including supply chain and publishing trends.
• Outstanding sales and business development skills including strategy writing and planning.
• Strong communication skills and experience of public speaking and presenting.
• Experience of managing and developing a highly skilled in-house team and freelance employees.
• Understanding of governance and experience of working with company boards.
• Sound financial management and operational experience.
• Cash flow, forecasting and budgeting experience.
• Experience of developing and managing complex partnerships and maintaining strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Arts Council England Let’s Create strategy.
• Experience of B2B and B2C marketing and digital marketing expertise.

Desirable experience

• Poetry, translated writing, literary and children's fiction and non-fiction sector knowledge.
• Knowledge of publishing processes and challenges facing independent publishing.
• Recruitment expertise.
• Fundraising and stakeholder management.
• Annual audit and accounting.
• New Client development.

For a full job pack please visit our website here.

Inpress is committed to supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can succeed. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and seek to employ a workforce representative of the publishers and markets that we serve. Please let us know if there are any adjustments needed for individuals to ensure a fair recruitment process.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and covering letter by the deadline of Midday Tuesday 10th June.