Sales Executive - Advertising & Partnerships

About Playbook Media

Playbook Media is home to two of the UK's leading specialist media brands, connecting professional communities through trusted journalism, events, data and commercial partnerships. With over 300 years of combined history, The Bookseller (est 1858) and The Stage (est 1880) are pillars of authority in their fields. We are the most trusted, respected and forward-looking platforms in theatre and the book publishing trade – delivering insight, experiences and services that empower our communities to grow, connect and thrive. At Playbook Media, our values don't just describe what we believe, they shape how we work every day. We look for people who are committed to excellence, passionate about the industries we serve, act with integrity and independence, and think about the long-term success of our brands, customers and colleagues.

Why the role exists

This role sits within Playbook Media and supports The Bookseller – the UK's leading source of news, insight and analysis for the publishing industry. As a Sales Executive, you will play a crucial role in driving advertising revenue across The Bookseller's print, digital and event portfolio by developing new business and growing long‑term client partnerships. This role requires a dynamic individual with excellent communication and sales skills, a strong understanding of (or interest in) the publishing industry, and the ability to meet and exceed sales targets while maintaining high professional standards.

What you will do

• Business Development (25% of the role)
  • Proactively identify, engage and secure new business opportunities across The Bookseller's print, digital and events portfolio through outbound prospecting, networking, referrals, market research and inbound enquiries.
  • Build and maintain a healthy sales pipeline, ensuring a consistent flow of qualified opportunities.
  • Conduct sales meetings, presentations and virtual pitches, preparing compelling proposals that demonstrate the value of The Bookseller's advertising and partnership solutions.
  • Proactively follow up advertising enquiries and convert opportunities into long‑term commercial relationships.
• Account Management (75% of the role)
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction, retention and repeat business.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of each client's commercial objectives and recommend tailored advertising and sponsorship solutions.
  • Identify opportunities to grow client spend through cross‑selling and upselling across The Bookseller's products and services.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to client enquiries, ensuring an excellent customer experience throughout the sales cycle.
• Product Knowledge & Commercial Insight
  • Develop expert knowledge of The Bookseller's advertising products, audience, commercial offerings and market position.
  • Stay up to date with publishing industry developments, competitor activity and emerging advertising trends to provide informed recommendations to clients.
  • Identify new commercial opportunities and share market insight with colleagues to support sales strategy and revenue growth.
  • Keep informed about new advertising technologies and innovative sales approaches that could enhance client outcomes and commercial performance.
• CRM, Reporting & Sales Administration
  • Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of all sales activity, client communications and opportunities within the CRM system.
  • Produce timely pipeline updates, sales forecasts and performance reports for the Partnerships and Sales Manager.
  • Prepare quotations, contracts and associated sales documentation accurately and on time.
  • Work closely with the Production team to coordinate advertising schedules and flat plans.
• Collaboration & Brand Representation
  • Promote The Bookseller brand and commercial offering professionally in every client interaction.
  • Work collaboratively with Editorial, Marketing, Production, and Events teams to ensure successful campaign delivery.
  • Represent The Bookseller at industry meetings, networking events, conferences and awards as required.
  • Contribute ideas, market insight and lead generation opportunities to support the wider commercial team's success.

What we're looking for

• Experience in media or advertising sales, or related industries.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of revenue generation and market opportunities.
• Proven success developing new business through outbound prospecting.
• Relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills, ability to work under pressure.
• Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• An understanding of the publishing industry is desirable.

How we work at Playbook Media

Our culture is just as important as our commercial success. We recruit people who demonstrate our values every day. Excellence – Star Performer: You take pride in delivering exceptional work, continually improving and setting high standards for yourself and those around you. Passion – Ink in our Veins: You are driven, curious and commercially energised by the industries we serve. You take pride in understanding our customers, spotting opportunities and building relationships that create real value. Independence – For the Industry, Not of the Industry: You build trust through honesty, balanced judgement and professional integrity, always acting in the best interests of the business and the customers we serve. Stewardship – Play the Long Game: You think beyond today's sale, building sustainable client partnerships that contribute to the long‑term success of Playbook Media and the industries we serve. As part of the team, we all strive to be: Humble – We think of others, welcome feedback, share success and learn from mistakes. Hungry – We take ownership, look for opportunities to improve and deliver with energy and purpose. Smart – We are people‑smart: we communicate thoughtfully, build trusted relationships, and approach challenges with emotional intelligence.

Additional Information

• Normal working hours are 9 am – 5 pm, with occasional evening or weekend work to cover events.
• This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, requiring at least three days a week at the Playbook Media office on Bermondsey Street, SE1, with opportunities for remote work on the other days.
• Travel: Some international travel (e.g. world book fairs) and local industry events.
• Start date: ASAP.
• Closing date: 20 July 2026.

Please note: We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this vacancy early. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.