Senior Sales Manager/Head of Sales, Bonnier Adult Fiction (Interim) in London

Senior Sales Manager/Head of Sales, Bonnier Adult Fiction (Interim) in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hachette UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fiction sales and drive growth in the adult division at Bonnier Books UK.
  • Company: Join a leading publisher passionate about storytelling and diverse perspectives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for mentorship and personal development.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the publishing world while developing your career in a creative environment.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in sales with strong relationships in trade accounts; passion for fiction is a must.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.

Reporting to: Deputy Sales Director, Adult

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

Department: Sales

Imprint: Adult Division

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

Duration: Twelve-month fixed-term contract

Step into a senior sales role overseeing fiction sales across mass market and key trade accounts. At Bonnier Books UK, we believe that every book matters. We love to publish stories and content that open our eyes to new perspectives and bring us closer together. We offer a nurturing home for our authors, illustrators and brand partners, publishing bestselling books for readers and listeners everywhere. We know that fantastic stories can come from anywhere and our purpose is to bring them to as wide an audience as possible, a simple ethos that has led to us becoming one of the country’s leading publishers.

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 Deputy Sales Director to deliver the ambitious growth targets for the adult division, you will also have total ownership for sales in mass market channels, with added responsibility for children’s sales in this sector. 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 the powerhouse commercial fiction list at Zaffre. The role would suit an ambitious and analytical individual, with the ability to balance the market facing commercial and strategic thinking required to successfully influence the division, alongside a strong personal appreciation for a wide variety of trade facing fiction.

Key responsibilities:

  • Building and developing the Bonnier Books UK Adult division in collaboration with the Deputy Sales Director.
  • Full ownership of all the Adult UK Fiction Trade sales into the mass market sector.
  • 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 supermarket & high street accounts.
  • 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

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under‑represented in the creative industries.

Senior Sales Manager/Head of Sales, Bonnier Adult Fiction (Interim) in London employer: Hachette UK

Bonnier Books UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering a unique opportunity for growth within the dynamic adult fiction sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide comprehensive benefits including private health insurance, flexible working arrangements, and dedicated training programmes, all while encouraging a passion for storytelling that resonates throughout our team. Join us in our London office, where creativity thrives and every voice matters, as we work together to bring captivating stories to readers everywhere.

Hachette UK

Contact Details:

Hachette UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Sales Manager/Head of Sales, Bonnier Adult Fiction (Interim) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Bonnier Books UK. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Bonnier Books UK, their authors, and recent releases. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in growing the Adult division. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their mission.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your achievements and how they relate to the role of Senior Sales Manager. The more comfortable you are talking about your experience, the more confident you’ll feel during the real deal.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sales Manager/Head of Sales, Bonnier Adult Fiction (Interim) in London

Sales Management
Key Account Management
Strategic Thinking
Analytical Skills
Commercial Awareness
Relationship Building
Trade Sales Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Sales Manager. Highlight your experience in handling trade accounts and any relevant achievements in fiction sales. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for fiction and how it aligns with our mission at Bonnier Books UK. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this role and how you plan to drive growth in our Adult division.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, don’t forget to demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic mindset. We’re looking for someone who can balance commercial thinking with a love for storytelling, so give us examples of how you've influenced sales strategies in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK

Know Your Fiction

Dive deep into the world of adult fiction before your interview. Familiarise yourself with Bonnier's key titles and authors, especially those in the commercial and literary imprints. This will not only show your passion for the genre but also demonstrate your understanding of the market.

Showcase Your Sales Strategy

Prepare to discuss your previous sales experiences and how they relate to the role. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in the past that led to growth in mass market channels. Be ready to share examples that highlight your analytical skills and ability to influence sales direction.

Build Connections

Since this role involves collaboration with the Deputy Sales Director and other teams, think about how you can foster relationships within the company. Prepare questions that show your interest in teamwork and how you can contribute to a positive working environment.

Embrace the Company Culture

Bonnier Books UK values stories that connect people. Reflect on how your personal values align with their mission. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their commitment to diversity in publishing and how you can help grow their adult fiction division while embracing this ethos.