At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the International Sales Team with admin tasks and manage key accounts.
- Company: Join HarperCollins, a leading publisher known for bestselling authors and innovative brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, wellness programmes, enhanced leave, and discounts on books.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, engage with exciting literature, and develop your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or customer service, plus strong Microsoft Office skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid model with 3 days in the office; 28 days holiday and unlimited training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the successful International Sales Team at HarperCollins, working across the HQ, Pavilion, 4th Estate, and William Collins imprints. The Sales Executive role will involve supporting the Heads of International Sales and managing accounts directly. It will require an extremely high level of organisation, communication, and attention to detail. It requires an ability to swiftly learn new systems and confident use of Microsoft Office applications. The successful applicant will exhibit outstanding relationship management and be able to problem-solve. We’re looking for a personable, bright individual who can learn quickly and use their own initiative. The candidate will ideally have some experience in a client-facing role with excellent interpersonal skills. The candidate must be able to think creatively and take immediate responsibility for/ownership of specific projects and customer relationships. As well as being heavily customer-facing, the role will sit across some of the most exciting, bestselling authors and brands in the market, so a love of reading and talking about books is essential.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide exceptional administrative support across international territories, including but not limited to:
- Collating numbers for print runs and managing print meeting process
- Collating numbers for proofs and samples and supplying when necessary
- Creating internal and external PowerPoint presentations
- Managing meeting schedules for Heads of International Sales and wider team
- Minuting meetings and circulating actions in a timely manner
- Managing and maintaining database of sales and marketing assets
- Manage relationships with key export partners, ensuring all communication is prompt and professional
- Take ownership of the administrative management of the Indian and South African markets
- Resolve internal and external queries quickly and efficiently, liaising with customers and credit services when required
- Promote and sell HarperCollins’ titles, always looking for new ways to reach more readers
- Represent International Sales at internal and external meetings
- Liaise effectively with other divisional teams and departments including Production, Marketing, PR, Editorial, Finance, Inventory etc.
Experience required
- Sales, administration, account management or customer service experience
- Microsoft Office – intermediate to advanced capability for Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
- Knowledge of and a keen interest in books
Skills required
- Must have excellent attention to detail
- Exceptional customer service and communication skills
- Confidence with learning new systems and processes
- Organisation – the ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively
- Proactiveness – use initiative and problem-solve
- Professional, reliable, able to work quickly under pressure
Additional Information
- Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)
- Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
- Private healthcare cover and life assurance
- Summer hours, free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24-hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal
- Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme
- Relocation rent support loan
- Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work
- Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes
- Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers, onsite physiotherapy (London only)
- Charitable donation matching and volunteering days
- Green electric/hybrid car benefit scheme (salary sacrifice)
- With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire
- Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books
- Subsidised canteen and retail discounts
- Onsite prayer room
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days. Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.
Sales Executive, International Sales employer: Be Applied Ltd
Contact Detail:
Be Applied Ltd Recruiting Team
stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Executive, International Sales
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with HarperCollins' imprints and their bestselling authors. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, especially PowerPoint and Excel. Being able to create engaging presentations and manage data efficiently will be crucial in this role, so consider taking a quick online course if needed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills by engaging in conversations about books and sales strategies. This will prepare you for the customer-facing aspects of the job and help you articulate your thoughts clearly during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who work in sales or account management. They can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to opportunities within HarperCollins.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Executive, International Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sales, administration, or customer service. Emphasise your organisational skills and any experience with Microsoft Office applications, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for books and your ability to manage relationships effectively. Mention specific examples of how you've used your initiative and problem-solving skills in previous roles.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: In your application, focus on your excellent communication and customer service skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or resolved queries in a professional manner.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Express your excitement about the opportunity to work with bestselling authors and brands. Let your love for reading and books shine through in your application to connect with the company's culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Be Applied Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Books
Since the role involves working with bestselling authors and brands, it's crucial to express your love for reading and books during the interview. Share your favourite titles or authors and how they inspire you, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The Sales Executive role requires a high level of organisation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Given the customer-facing nature of the position, think about potential scenarios you might encounter with clients. Prepare to discuss how you would handle difficult situations or resolve queries efficiently, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Office
As the role requires intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel, brush up on these applications before the interview. You might be asked about your experience or even given a task to demonstrate your proficiency.