Senior Director/Executive 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. CONTRACT : Permanent ANNUAL LEAVE: 25 days pro rata WORKING PATTERN: minimum three days in the office Inpress is the UK’s specialist sales and marketing agency for independent publishers, we represent 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. We provide tailored sales support, national representation, and strategic guidance to help them thrive in a competitive marketplace. Eliot, the Poetry Book Society (PBS) has long been a cornerstone of the UK poetry community. The PBS champion a rich and diverse range of voices from internationally acclaimed poets like Ilya Kaminsky to powerful emerging talents such as Raymond Antrobus. 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. 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. 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. 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, Stakeholder management of publisher clients, Inpress board, Arts Council England, key commercial partners Proven track record of senior management or leadership experience in the Publishing or Arts sector. Outstanding sales and business development skills including strategy writing and planning. 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. Experience of B2B and B2C marketing and digital marketing expertise. Poetry, translated writing, literary and children\’s fiction and non-fiction sector knowledge. Fundraising and stakeholder management. For a full job pack please visit our website 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.