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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 fiction.
- 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 literature and impactful sales strategies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade sales, ideally with connections in Waterstones or supermarkets.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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 trade sales in fiction. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Bonnier Books UK’s recent successes and their approach to adult fiction. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of their business and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your existing relationships with key accounts like Waterstones and supermarkets during conversations. Being able to discuss how you can leverage these connections will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the adult fiction market. Think about trends, challenges, and opportunities that could impact sales, and be ready to share your insights during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in trade sales and relationships with Waterstones and supermarkets.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly outline your experience in sales management, particularly in the adult fiction sector. Emphasise any existing relationships with key accounts and your strategic contributions to previous roles.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for adult fiction and your vision for growing the Bonnier Books UK Adult division. Mention specific achievements in your career that demonstrate your ability to meet ambitious growth targets.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK group
✨Know Your Fiction
Make sure to brush up on the latest trends in adult fiction. Be prepared to discuss your favourite titles and authors, as well as how they relate to the market. This shows your passion for the genre and your understanding of what sells.
✨Highlight Your Relationships
Since the role involves working with Waterstones and supermarkets, be ready to talk about your existing relationships in these sectors. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed key accounts and driven sales in the past.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic planning and how you would influence the direction of the fiction list. Think about how you can balance commercial goals with creative input, and be ready to share your ideas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves shared management responsibility, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've motivated teams or influenced colleagues in previous roles, highlighting your ability to drive results.
