At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and strategy for Pan Macmillan across Asia & the Middle East.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest and most innovative book publishers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's and YA literature on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Experience in international publishing sales and team management required.
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.
Head of Sales, Asia & Middle East in London 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.