At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategy and drive growth for Pan Macmillan in Asia & the Middle East.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest and most innovative book publishers.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the publishing world while supporting diverse voices.
- Qualifications: Experience in international publishing sales and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Pan Macmillan UK is one of the largest general book publishers in the UK, with imprints including Macmillan, Mantle, Pan, Picador, Boxtree, Sidgwick & Jackson, Bello, Tor, Kingfisher, Macmillan Children's Books, Two Hoots, Bluebird, Campbell Books, Macmillan New Writing and Macmillan Digital Audio. Pan Macmillan is part of Macmillan Publishers International Limited.
An exciting opportunity has become available in our sales team! We are looking for a Head of Sales to drive the growth, commercial strategy, and reach of Pan Macmillan’s outstanding publishing list across these dynamic international markets. You will also play a key role supporting Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) globally, shaping how our world‑class children’s and YA titles connect with readers worldwide.
Your key responsibilities:
- Deliver sales budgets and strategy: Create and run the sales strategy to meet or exceed commercial sales targets across Asia & the Middle East.
- Manage international teams: Guide, support and develop the UK-based Asia & Middle East team, as well as the teams in Hong Kong and China.
- Build strong customer partnerships: Manage relationships with major international book shops, accounts and distributors to grow market share and ensure reliable book supply.
- Oversee distribution and logistics: Manage critical working relationships with Macmillan Distribution for credit control and distribution, and partner with our US distribution networks for the smooth supply of Macmillan US titles.
- Share market trends: Research and analyse international book markets, popular genres and competitor strategies to guide future publishing plans and marketing.
- Support Children’s International publishing: Work closely with the MCB Sales Director to manage international costings, sales forecasts and new book choices, representing International Sales at key Children's team meetings.
- Manage agency publishers: Take responsibility for the sales performance and management of third‑party publishers represented in your territories, currently including Macmillan USA and Guinness World Records.
Essential experience, abilities, knowledge and values you’ll need to succeed:
- International publishing sales experience: Experience in a sales role within the publishing industry, focusing on international markets.
- Children’s and YA market knowledge: Good commercial understanding and experience selling or working with Children’s and Young Adult literature.
- Territory experience: Demonstrated understanding of the book industry, retail markets and business opportunities within international markets, ideally in Asia and the Middle East.
- People management: Experience managing, inspiring and developing a team.
- Commercial and budget skills: Clear experience managing budgets, financial forecasting, costings, and using sales data to make decisions.
- Communication and negotiation skills: Excellent presentation, negotiation and communication skills with senior external partners and internal teams.
- Inclusion and representation: Active dedication to promoting diverse voices and inclusive practices, ensuring the workplace and publishing reflect the communities served.
- Community: Collaborative approach to building a supportive and vibrant environment.
- Curiosity: Strong drive for learning and readiness to embrace different perspectives.
- Integrity: Openness and honesty, taking responsibility for actions and learning from mistakes.
What you’ll get in return:
We can offer you a range of great projects, a supportive and collaborative working environment, as well as a competitive salary and benefits package.
Note on salary: The offered salary is dependent on experience and expertise. We benchmark our ranges to ensure fair, competitive compensation that grows with your impact.
Closing date: 29 July 2026
This is a full‑time, permanent role and will be based in our offices in Farringdon, London, with some flexibility to work from home each week.
Benefits we offer:
- 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays
- Discounted private medical insurance or health cash plan
- Enhanced family pay and leave
- Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months)
- 75 % off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates)
- Season ticket loan/advance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on shopping and gym memberships; Christmas club savings
- Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch
Our commitment to diversity & inclusion: At Pan Macmillan, we are committed to publishing a wide range of voices that reflect the full breadth of the communities we serve. Joining us means playing an active role in bringing our titles to life as part of a team that champions inclusion at every level. We are dedicated to building a workplace that is as diverse and welcoming as the stories we tell, ensuring all perspectives are celebrated across everything we do. We welcome applications from all individuals, including any age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. Our efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are ongoing, and we continually strive to learn and improve.
Disability Confident scheme: As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from disabled candidates and people with long‑term health conditions, aiming to offer an interview to everyone who meets the essential criteria for the role and chooses to apply under the scheme. The essential criteria can be found under Essential experience, abilities, knowledge and values you’ll need to succeed. You are never required to disclose a disability to us, and you only need to share what you feel comfortable with. We are also a private employer and provide reasonable adjustments for applicants with accessibility needs. For all candidates, we embrace the process and you can contact Kayelle Danyluk (Head of Talent Acquisition) at kayelle.danyluk@macmillan.com for support.
Right to work: All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role. All personal information processed in connection with your application will be treated in accordance with the Recruitment Privacy Notice.
Head of Sales, Asia & Middle East employer: Rowohlt Verlag GmbH
Pan Macmillan UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of the publishing industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work alongside passionate individuals who share your love for literature. Located in a dynamic environment, this role not only allows you to shape the future of YA publishing but also provides a unique platform to make a meaningful impact on readers and authors alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales, Asia & Middle East
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Head of Sales, Asia & Middle East at Rowohlt Verlag GmbH, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Rowohlt Verlag GmbH. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sales, Asia & Middle East. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales, Asia & Middle East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Rowohlt Verlag GmbH:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Rowohlt Verlag GmbH. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rowohlt Verlag GmbH
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Rowohlt Verlag GmbH that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Rowohlt Verlag GmbH that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Rowohlt Verlag GmbH’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.