Deputy Comms Director FTC 12months in London

With over 150 years of ground-breaking publishing from book lovers, original thinkers and market leaders, our unwavering mission has been to publish the most compelling voices in every genre. We continue to find new ground, new audiences and new voices with every title we publish. We are passionate readers and believe in the power of words to change lives. Hodder & Stoughton 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.

Reporting to the Communications Director, you will help deliver the publicity strategy that will achieve the planned financial aims and maximise profitable sales and ROI. The successful candidate will work closely with the Comms Director to drive the Hodder & Stoughton trade publishing programme, develop and manage a team of publicity professionals and deliver on divisional mission and pillars.

Working closely with the editorial, sales and marketing teams, ensuring brands, authors and contributors are developed on all levels, producing measurable results, you will develop, implement and manage short and long-term strategic publicity plans, ensuring they meet goals, driving sales, as well as author and book profile. This role has a predominantly non-fiction strategic campaign focus, with some fiction elements.

The ideal candidate will have experience in operating at senior level, a track record of delivering high-profile press coverage and successful campaigns plus outstanding author care. Knowledge of the relevant media and key contacts across the industry, organising high-impact events, and knowledge of the market are key to the role, especially non-fiction. You will exhibit strong copy-writing skills, presentation skills and possess the ability to communicate and build positive working relationships with contacts at all levels.

They will also have experience in budget, people and crisis management, be a self-starter and thrive in a fast-paced commercial environment.

Successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Outstanding campaign delivery
• Oversee non-fiction and international PR delivery for the business
• Team management including allocations, budget management, scheduling
• Line management
• Represent the PR team in company meetings and deputise for the Comms Director where needed, such as acquisitions, scheduling, international meetings and more
• Work closely with the non-fiction team on strategy, partnerships and long-term plans, as well as book-to-book campaign delivery

The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive and the job holder may be required to undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required.

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

• 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
• And much more!

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

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.

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 and undertaking junior roles.