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 28 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team driving growth in a creative industry with social impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade sales, ideally with connections in Waterstones or supermarkets.
- Other info: Flexible hours and dedicated volunteering time to support literacy charities.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 58500 £ 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.
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.
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 sales achievements and how they relate to the adult fiction market. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced sales strategies and built relationships with key accounts.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss market trends and consumer behaviour in the adult fiction sector. This will highlight your ability to balance commercial and strategic thinking, which is crucial for this role.
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: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key 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, particularly in the adult fiction sector.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with key accounts, especially if you have existing relationships with Waterstones or supermarkets. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully influenced sales strategies in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires a balance of commercial and strategic thinking, include examples that demonstrate your analytical skills. Discuss any data-driven decisions you've made that positively impacted sales or market growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for adult fiction. Mention why you're excited about the opportunity at Bonnier Books UK and how you can contribute to their ambitious growth targets.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK
✨Research the Company and Its Imprints
Before your interview, take the time to understand Bonnier Books UK and its various imprints, especially the Adult Fiction division. Familiarise yourself with their recent successes, such as the Debut Prize for Fiction nominations and the BOTM selections. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its products.
✨Highlight Your Relationships
Given the importance of existing relationships with Waterstones and supermarkets, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences and connections in these sectors. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed key accounts and influenced sales strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a balance of commercial acumen and strategic insight. Be ready to discuss how you would approach growing the Adult Fiction division. Prepare to share your thoughts on market trends and how they could influence the direction of the fiction list.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the company's future plans, the team dynamics, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
