At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic marketing campaigns for key titles and drive audience growth.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster UK, a leading name in publishing with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting from £61,000 and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working with at least two days in the office; open to diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the literary world while collaborating with creative teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in marketing, strong leadership skills, and a passion for books.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Salary: Starting from £61,000
Application deadline: Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 23:59
The Job Profile
Reporting to a Director of Marketing & Insight, the Head of Marketing will be responsible for leading the strategic marketing direction across a portfolio of key titles and projects, ensuring campaigns deliver strong commercial impact, audience growth and brand development, and supporting the Director of Marketing & Insight with team management and marketing strategy across the Adult UK list. The role will work collaboratively with editorial, publicity, sales and digital, as well as US and international teams, to deliver joined-up campaigns and launches.
The Job Role
Head of Marketing will lead high-impact marketing campaigns across priority titles and authors, driving commercial performance, audience growth and innovation across new channels. They will develop the long-term marketing strategy for the Scribner and Summit literary lists, strengthening positioning, reader communities and brand recognition, while ensuring campaigns align with wider publishing, sales and publicity strategies. They will lead and develop a high-performing team, collaborate closely with editorial, publicity, sales, digital and international colleagues, and provide strategic insight into publishing plans and priorities. They will also identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities, share best practice, and deputise for senior leadership when required.
The Candidate Profile
The Head of Marketing will have strong strategic marketing capability, with the ability to plan and deliver high-impact campaigns, alongside strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the book market and consumer behaviour. They will be a confident people manager, with the ability to coach, mentor and develop others, and an excellent communicator and stakeholder manager, able to build strong working relationships across departments and international teams and represent marketing confidently in senior forums. They will have a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, be highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
They will bring experience in book marketing, publishing or a closely related creative industry, with a demonstrable track record of leading and delivering high-profile marketing campaigns, managing or mentoring team members and supporting professional development, as well as managing budgets and building audiences and communities. They will have an excellent understanding of marketing principles, campaign planning and audience development, alongside knowledge and experience using relevant marketing, social media and audience development tools and platforms, and experience working collaboratively across business departments and with international teams.
We are keen to hear from the widest range of candidates and we're open to different types of experience. If you have experience in marketing across any area of the arts or entertainment, we would love to hear from you.
Please note, the candidate will be required to be in the office at least two days a week.
Unfortunately, Simon & Schuster UK cannot accept applications from candidates without a legal right to work in the UK or who require visa sponsorship. Right to work checks are carried out on candidates who make it to offer stage.
Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
Head of Marketing, Marketing and Publicity, Adult (12-months FTC), Simon & Schuster UK employer: Bookmachine
Simon & Schuster UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees enjoy a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development, particularly in the exciting realm of publishing contracts. Located in the heart of the UK publishing industry, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with both Adult and Children’s divisions, making a meaningful impact on the literary landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marketing, Marketing and Publicity, Adult (12-months FTC), Simon & Schuster UK
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Bookmachine and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Bookmachine are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Bookmachine on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Bookmachine. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Marketing, Marketing and Publicity, Adult (12-months FTC), Simon & Schuster UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Bookmachine. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Bookmachine:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Bookmachine’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bookmachine
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Bookmachine will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Bookmachine, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
