At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with independent booksellers and promote DK's latest titles across the UK.
- Company: Join a leading publisher passionate about books and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts on books, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a supportive, diverse work environment.
- Why this job: Be the voice of independent booksellers and make a real impact in the book industry.
- Qualifications: Sales experience preferred; love for books and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about books and building collaborative relationships? Do you enjoy talking to independent booksellers and encouraging them to support and buy the latest books? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our UK Sales Department as a Field Sales Representative selling to independent bookshops and other accounts in the UK.
As a Field Sales Representative, you will play a key role in selling DK, Sourcebooks, and Canelo books by effectively managing a range of booksellers in London and the southern territories of England. Your primary focus will be on building strong and lasting relationships with independent booksellers, regional wholesalers, educational suppliers, museums, galleries and specialist bookshops.
This role offers a dynamic and varied work environment, with the majority of your time spent out visiting booksellers alongside some Head Office presence. You will have the opportunity to showcase our books, actively sell, and follow up on sales during face-to-face meetings, both online and in person.
The typical work day will vary, with some days focused on travelling and engaging directly with booksellers, while other days will be more computer-based. During these desk days, you will be responsible for managing account administration and engaging in longer-term strategic planning with the Field Sales team.
Key Responsibilities- Understanding customers preferences by tailoring presentations to their specific needs
- Implementing customer-focused sales plans to maximise book sales
- Achieving agreed sales targets and margin targets for specific customers
- Exploring new sales leads and local opportunities with booksellers and buyers
- Attending professional trade fairs to develop new customer relationships
- Working collaboratively with the Field Sales team
- Acting as an ambassador and voice for independent booksellers within DK, ensuring customer needs are effectively communicated back to the business
- Collaborating with the marketing and PR teams to develop customer plans and utilise internal resources for successful sell-in and sell-through
- Supporting our extensive events programme
- Working with the supply chain team to ensure smooth order processing and timely delivery of books
- Proven experience in sales, with a focus on independent bookshops
- A background and knowledge of the books industry is preferable, though not essential
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Highly organised with excellent time management skills
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Persistent and resilient mindset, with a strong desire to achieve
- Attention to detail and ability to prioritise and multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Strategic thinking and ability to identify market opportunities
- Willingness to travel and potentially stay overnight based on customer communication style
- A full UK driving licence
- Experience selling to Museums, Galleries or specialist bookshops is preferable, though not essential
We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:
- 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays
- Volunteering policy and charity matching
- Employee assistance programme
- 70% discount on company books
- Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
- Flex Fridays (1pm Finish*)
- Up to 30 days remote working from abroad**Subject to certain criteria being met.
DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code. DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.
The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade, but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org
DK UK Sales Field Sales Representative employer: DK
At DK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values passion for books and the importance of building collaborative relationships. Our dynamic work culture encourages personal growth and offers a range of benefits, including generous holiday entitlement, flexible working options, and a supportive environment for diversity and inclusion. As a Field Sales Representative in London and the southern territories, you will enjoy the unique advantage of engaging directly with independent booksellers while having the opportunity to develop your skills and career within the thriving book industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DK UK Sales Field Sales Representative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the independent bookshops in your area! Spend some time visiting them, chatting with the owners, and understanding their needs. This will help you tailor your approach when you apply and show that you're genuinely interested in building those relationships.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it's face-to-face or online, being able to present our books effectively is key. Grab a friend or family member and run through your presentation, focusing on how to highlight the unique selling points of DK, Sourcebooks, and Canelo books.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend local book fairs and industry events to meet potential customers and other sales reps. Building connections can lead to valuable insights and opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After meetings or events, send a quick email to thank them for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for working together. This keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your commitment to building those collaborative relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace DK UK Sales Field Sales Representative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books:When writing your application, let your love for books shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for the industry and how it drives you to connect with independent booksellers.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Field Sales Representative role. Highlight your sales experience and any relevant skills that align with building relationships in the book trade.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically to make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our UK Sales Department!
How to prepare for a job interview at DK
✨Know Your Books
Make sure you brush up on the latest titles from DK, Sourcebooks, and Canelo. Being able to discuss specific books and their unique selling points will show your passion for the industry and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Build Your Pitch
Prepare a tailored sales pitch that highlights how you would approach independent booksellers. Think about their needs and how you can meet them. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role and your proactive approach to sales.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Whether it’s through networking or maintaining long-term partnerships, showing your ability to connect with people is key for this position.
✨Plan for the Road
Since this role involves a lot of travel, be prepared to discuss your time management strategies. Share how you plan your days to balance meetings with administrative tasks, ensuring you can maximise your productivity on the road.