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- Tasks: Lead trade sales for adult fiction, focusing on Waterstones and supermarkets.
- Company: Join Bonnier Books UK, a dynamic publisher with a strong reputation in adult fiction.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private health insurance, gym membership, and 28 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team with a passion for fiction and a vibrant company culture.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade sales, ideally with experience in key accounts at Waterstones or supermarkets.
- Other info: Flexible hours and dedicated volunteering time to support literacy initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 58500 £ per year.
Reporting to: Trade Sales Director
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, shortlisted for the Debut Prize for Fiction 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 and the divisional MD
- 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.
Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction employer: Bonnier Books UK group
Contact Detail:
Bonnier Books UK group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who have experience with Waterstones and supermarkets. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the trade sales landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Bonnier Books UK’s recent successes and their fiction list. Understanding their current market position and strategic goals will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing key accounts and how you've influenced sales strategies. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial acumen in the adult fiction sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for adult fiction by staying updated on trends and popular titles. Being able to discuss current bestsellers and emerging authors will not only reflect your enthusiasm but also your understanding of the market.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction
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: Write a cover letter that showcases 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 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 Team Leadership Experience: If you have experience managing teams or collaborating with others, be sure to include this in your application. The role involves shared management responsibility, so demonstrating your leadership skills will be beneficial.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK group
✨Research the Company and Its Imprints
Before your interview, take the time to understand Bonnier Books UK and its various imprints, especially the Adult division. Familiarise yourself with their recent successes, such as the Debut Prize for Fiction nominations, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their growth in the fiction market.
✨Highlight Your Relationships
Given the importance of existing relationships with key accounts like Waterstones and supermarkets, be ready to share specific examples of your past experiences. Discuss how these connections can benefit Bonnier Books UK and how you plan to leverage them in your new role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a balance of commercial and strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss your approach to developing sales strategies for the Adult fiction list and how you would influence the direction of the division. Use examples from your previous roles to illustrate your analytical skills.
✨Show Passion for Adult Fiction
As the position focuses on Adult fiction, convey your genuine interest and appreciation for this genre. Be ready to discuss your favourite authors, trends in the market, and how you stay updated on new releases. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
