DK UK Sales - Temporary Sales Manager (12-month FTC)

DK is the world’s leading illustrated Publisher, producing award-winning fiction and non-fiction titles across all formats, from audio to print to digital. We're seeking a motivated Sales Manager (on a 12 month contract) to join us on our mission to move the world forward, one book at a time, by championing new thinking and creativity and putting the customer at the forefront of what we do.

Sitting at the heart of our field sales operations, this role is dedicated to championing independent bookshops, alongside national and regional wholesale suppliers. Unlike a traditional account management position, this role is primarily focused on people leadership and strategic coordination. You will run the independent bookshop focus of the team, directly managing a field sales team of three reps alongside our Wholesale Key Account Manager, ensuring your team has the tools, data, and support they need to thrive.

Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Directly managing the field sales team and the Wholesale KAM, overseeing business reviews, monthly and quarterly sell-ins, and overarching channel strategy.
• Working closely with the Sales Assistant to coordinate and collate vital data, presentation materials, and resources so your reps are fully equipped for their customer meetings.
• Acting as a key contact for the Booksellers Association and Bookshop.org, representing DK at trade shows, bookshop events, and working closely with Editorial, Marketing & PR.
• Liaising directly with Marketing and PR on behalf of your reps to secure support for indie pre-order campaigns, author signings, and regional events.
• Working closely with the Account Manager to ensure all assets, updates and communication through our online Bookseller Hub portal are current.

This role will suit a confident people manager who has previously gone through the account management process themselves. Because you understand the day-to-day challenges of working with customers, you'll know exactly how to guide, advocate for, and support your team. A genuine passion for independent bookshops and booksellers is essential, as you will be the driving force behind our success in this vital channel. You’ll also need excellent communication and organisational skills to seamlessly bridge the gap between your field reps and our internal Editorial and Marketing and PR teams.

Perhaps you are an experienced Account Manager ready to step up into a dedicated people management role, or an existing Sales Manager looking to bring your leadership skills to a world-renowned publisher. If you’re someone with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and a deep love for the independent book trade, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 7th August 2026

We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays
• Volunteering policy and charity matching
• Employee assistance programme
• 70% discount on company books
• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Flex Fridays (1pm Finish*)
• Up to 30 days remote working from abroad**Subject to certain criteria being met.

And we plant a tree for every new employee to our business. DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code. DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.

DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new ‘smart-working’ policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK’s office. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in our Pimlico office. As this is non-negotiable, please ensure you are within a reasonable commuting distance of London before applying.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade, but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews or undertaking internships.