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- Tasks: Lead trade sales for adult fiction, focusing on Waterstones and supermarkets.
- Company: Join Bonnier Books UK, a dynamic player in the publishing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and a vibrant social scene.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team with a passion for fiction and impactful storytelling.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade sales, ideally with connections in Waterstones or supermarkets.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 65000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction role at Igloo Books Ltd.
Application Deadline: June 10, 2025
Location: 5th Floor, HYLO, 105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8LZ
Working pattern: Hybrid - minimum of two days per week in the office; up to three days per week working from home
Imprint: Adult Division
Department: Sales
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending on experience
General Summary
A unique and exciting opportunity to join the Bonnier Books UK Sales team, with a clear remit to grow our business across Bonnier Books UK Adult division with a focus on fiction. As well as working co-operatively with the trade sales director to deliver the ambitious growth targets for the trade focused division, you will also have total ownership for sales across Waterstones and Supermarkets. BBUK’s Waterstones business has gone from strength to strength, with two consecutive Debut Fiction shortlisting’s and multiple BOTM selections in 2024, including the Scottish BOTY. Equally due to the commercial nature of our lists we continue to overindex in the supermarket sector, and therefore existing relationships and experience in both markets is desirable. Internally the ideal candidate will be able to provide a strong strategic steer for our fiction list, leading the conversation with our commercial literary imprint Manilla, our regional fiction, as well as supporting the trade sales director on the powerhouse commercial fiction list at Zaffre.
Key Responsibilities
- Building and developing the Bonnier Books UK Adult division in conjunction with the Adult trade sales director.
- Full ownership of all the Adult UK Fiction Trade sales into both Waterstones & supermarket sectors.
- Shared management responsibility for UK sales executive.
Qualifications And Experience
- Ideally a senior key account manager or sales manager looking for greater product influence and the next step in their career.
- At least 5 years’ experience handling trade facing key accounts, ideally with existing relationships either direct or managerial across Waterstones and/or supermarkets.
- Minimum 1-2 years attending and contributing to the acquisitions process in house.
- Experience selling and influencing the direction of a wide range of Adult Trade facing Fiction.
Company Benefits
- Private health insurance.
- Holiday purchase scheme.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Lively social committee hosting regular events.
- Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service.
- Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff.
- Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes.
- Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment.
- Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK.
- Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents.
- Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families.
- Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure.
- Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on-site at our London HQ.
- Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office.
If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward in hearing from you.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Book Publishing
Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction (London) employer: Igloo Books Ltd
Contact Detail:
Igloo Books Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the book publishing industry, especially those who have experience with trade sales. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in adult fiction and the specific needs of retailers like Waterstones and supermarkets. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the market during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing key accounts and how you've successfully influenced sales strategies. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Bonnier Books UK and their recent successes in the adult fiction market. Showing that you are informed about their achievements and challenges will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in trade sales, particularly within the adult fiction sector. Emphasise any existing relationships with key accounts like Waterstones and supermarkets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for adult fiction and your strategic vision for growing sales. Mention specific achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your ability to meet ambitious growth targets.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've used analytical thinking to influence sales strategies or improve performance in previous positions. This is crucial for the role's focus on balancing commercial and strategic thinking.
Highlight Leadership Experience: If you have experience managing teams or mentoring others, be sure to include this in your application. The role involves shared management responsibility, so showcasing your leadership skills will be beneficial.
How to prepare for a job interview at Igloo Books Ltd
✨Showcase Your Industry Knowledge
Make sure to demonstrate your understanding of the adult fiction market, especially regarding trends and key players like Waterstones and supermarkets. Research recent successes and challenges in the industry to discuss intelligently during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to develop and implement sales strategies. Discuss how you've influenced product direction in previous roles, particularly in trade sales, to align with the company's ambitious growth targets.
✨Emphasise Relationship Management Skills
Given the importance of existing relationships in this role, be ready to talk about your experience managing key accounts. Share specific instances where you successfully built or maintained relationships with major retailers, particularly in the context of adult fiction.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific sales challenges or opportunities. Think through potential scenarios related to trade sales and be prepared to articulate your thought process and decision-making skills.
