Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 generous holiday allowances.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team driving growth in a creative industry with a passion for literature.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade sales, ideally with connections in Waterstones or supermarkets.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive culture with opportunities for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
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.
The role would suit an ambitious and analytical individual, with the ability to balance the market facing commercial and strategic thinking required to successfully influence the division, alongside a strong personal appreciation for a wide variety of trade facing fiction.
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 (London) employer: Bonnier Books UK
Contact Detail:
Bonnier Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction (London)
✨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 role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Bonnier Books UK’s recent publications and their performance in the market. Understanding their fiction list and current trends will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
✨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 highlight your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for adult fiction by staying updated on new releases and industry news. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director - Adult Fiction (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Trade Sales/Deputy Trade Sales Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, especially the focus on adult fiction and relationships with Waterstones and supermarkets.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in trade sales, particularly any roles involving key account management or relationships with major retailers like Waterstones. Emphasise your analytical skills and any previous successes in growing sales within the adult fiction market.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your experience but also demonstrates your passion for adult fiction. Discuss how your strategic thinking and commercial awareness can contribute to the growth of Bonnier Books UK’s Adult division.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of past achievements that align with the role's requirements. This could be successful sales campaigns, relationship-building with key accounts, or contributions to the acquisitions process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK
✨Know Your Fiction
As the role focuses on adult fiction, make sure you are well-versed in current trends, popular titles, and key authors in the genre. Being able to discuss your favourite books and how they relate to the market will show your passion and knowledge.
✨Highlight Your Relationships
Since existing relationships with Waterstones and supermarkets are desirable, be prepared to discuss your past experiences and connections in these sectors. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts or driven sales in these areas.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This position requires a balance of commercial and strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how you would approach growing the Bonnier Books UK Adult division and what strategies you would implement to achieve ambitious growth targets.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
With shared management responsibility for a sales executive, it's important to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Be ready to provide examples of how you've led teams, mentored colleagues, or influenced decisions in previous roles.
