Commercial Assistant

Commercial Assistant

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hachette UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in analysing book sales and setting up digital promotions.
  • Company: Join Bookouture, a dynamic digital publisher under Hachette.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and discounts on books.
  • Other info: Flexible working with a blend of office and homeworking.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of publishing.
  • Qualifications: Confident self-starter with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Bookouture is a dynamic digital publisher of bestselling commercial fiction. Our unique publishing model and transformative campaigns have created unrivalled international author brands. We connect stories, authors and readers globally, publishing books that reflect the diversity of the societies we live in. Our submissions are always open as we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to share their story. Bookouture is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.

The Commercial team at Bookouture is responsible for analysing the sales performance of all of our books, setting up promotions with Amazon, other online retailers and promotional partners. As an integral part of the team you’ll be assisting with digital promotions and merchandising submissions, liaising with the editorial and marketing teams to ensure promotions run smoothly with maximum impact, analysing the results and communicating your findings to inform future publishing decisions.

Who we are looking for:

  • You will be a confident self-starter with a growth mindset.
  • You will prize logical reasoning above all else, be data-driven and confident with numbers, graphs and technology.
  • You will have exceptional attention to detail, be highly organised, and be great at managing a varied workload with tight deadlines.
  • You will be a clear and effective communicator.
  • You will be driven to understand the different levers that can make a book sell.
  • You have the talent to succeed in a fast-paced, commercial and creative digital business and a clear, demonstrable interest in building a career in publishing.

What we offer:

  • 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays).
  • Private medical insurance.
  • Dental insurance.
  • Generous pension schemes.
  • Rent deposit loans.
  • 2 community days per year.
  • Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months).
  • Retail discounts through Hachette rewards.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Eye care vouchers.
  • Wide-ranging training library.
  • Development programmes (including mentoring).
  • Up to 70% off book purchases.
  • A charity bookshelf.
  • An active range of staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing, Women in Tech and religious networks.
  • Season ticket loans.

The role will be based at our London or Sheffield office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Our commitment:

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds. We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application. We’ll make sure you’re supported throughout the process.

Commercial Assistant employer: Hachette UK

At Bookouture, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking digital publisher that champions diversity and creativity in the literary world. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering employees exceptional benefits such as generous annual leave, private medical insurance, and extensive training opportunities to support personal and professional growth. With a commitment to inclusivity and a flexible working environment based in London or Sheffield, we empower our team members to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the publishing industry.

Hachette UK

Contact Details:

Hachette UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Assistant

Dive Into the Publishing Community

Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Hachette UK.

Make Your Passion Visible

If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.

Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites

While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Hachette UK. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Assistant

Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Data-Driven Decision Making
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Digital Marketing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!

Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Hachette UK. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!

Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Hachette UK.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK

Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends

Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!

Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Hachette UK. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.

Brush Up on Editing Techniques

Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!

Express Your Passion for Storytelling

In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Hachette UK. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!