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: Be part of a vibrant team with excellent training and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the literary world while advancing your career in a dynamic 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) employer: Hachette UK
Bonnier Books UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where every employee is encouraged to contribute to the growth of our diverse fiction portfolio. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer comprehensive benefits including private health insurance, flexible working arrangements, and dedicated training programmes to support your professional development. Join us in our London office, where you will be part of a passionate team committed to bringing captivating stories to readers while enjoying a lively social atmosphere and opportunities for meaningful community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior sales manager/head of sales, Bonnier adult fiction (interim)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media platforms like LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We should know what Bonnier Books UK stands for and be ready to discuss how our values align. This shows genuine interest and can really set us apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! We should do mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. This will help us articulate our experience and skills confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can keep an eye on new openings and updates directly from the source. Let’s make sure we’re in the loop!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior sales manager/head of sales, Bonnier adult fiction (interim)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that are relevant to the Senior Sales Manager role. Highlight your achievements in sales, especially in fiction, and don’t forget to mention any key accounts you’ve managed!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about fiction and how your experience aligns with our goals at Bonnier Books UK. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about sales. Share examples of how you've influenced sales direction or contributed to growth in previous roles. We love candidates who can think outside the box!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 that led to growth in mass market channels. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve influenced trade accounts and what results you achieved.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves managing key accounts, think about how you can leverage existing relationships or build new ones. Be prepared to discuss your approach to relationship management and how you would engage with supermarket and high street accounts to drive sales.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Bonnier Books UK values collaboration and creativity. During your interview, express your enthusiasm for working in a nurturing environment and how you can contribute to their ethos of bringing stories to a wider audience. Share any relevant experiences that align with their mission.
