Head of Business Development Expansion (12-month FTC) in London

Penguin Random House is looking for a Head of Business Development Expansion to deliver ambitious commercial growth via non-trade sales in International markets. This is a rare opportunity to shape and scale innovative partnerships that unlock new revenue streams and extend our world-class books and brands into new sectors globally. This parental leave cover role will lead the identification, development and execution of new business models and high-value strategic partnerships beyond traditional trade channels. Working across industries including fashion, beauty, hospitality and luxury, you will leverage our intellectual property and core capabilities to create scalable, profitable growth opportunities internationally.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, secure and scale incremental revenue streams across new channels, sectors and territories
• Structure commercially viable, profitable and scalable partnership agreements
• Ensure all initiatives deliver measurable revenue growth, margin contribution and ROI
• Build robust business cases, including financial modelling and commercial forecasts
• Establish and nurture high-value partnerships with leading global brands across fashion, beauty, hospitality and luxury
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless execution and operational feasibility
• Manage the Business Development Key Account Manager, supporting them to achieve ambitious targets
• Embed best-practice pipeline management, forecasting and performance tracking processes
• Seamlessly take over, optimise and accelerate projects within the existing expansion pipeline

What you’ll bring

• Significant senior-level experience in business development, commercial partnerships or expansion strategy, with a proven track record of delivering revenue growth through non-traditional channels.
• Confidence in structuring complex deals and negotiating at senior executive level to create long-term value.

Preferred criteria

• Entrepreneurial and strategically minded, combining creative commercial thinking with disciplined execution.
• Resilient under pressure and comfortable navigating ambiguity, complexity and shifting priorities while maintaining momentum and focus.
• A natural relationship-builder, you influence effectively across functions and externally, building strong alliances that drive measurable business impact.
• Highly organised and results-oriented. You take ownership and ensure follow-through across multiple workstreams to unlock new commercial opportunities and deliver scalable profit growth.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing.

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Wednesday 8th April. Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.

£57,000 - £70,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits. While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will work from our office in London three days per week.