Sales & Business Development Manager – Books

Our client is a growing publishing house with an expanding English-language programme and international ambition. Operating from London and Istanbul they have built a catalogue of around 3,000 books across a broad range of genres, and their varied list spans literary fiction, translated literature, history, philosophy, culture, current affairs and children’s books.

They are looking for an experienced Sales & Business Development Manager to contribute to the growth of an ambitious publishing house and strengthen their presence in the UK book trade, secure new business and develop their international sales and distribution relationships.

This is an exciting new role with scope to influence commercial decisions and see the results of your work. Reporting to the Publishing Director, you will combine new business development with trade sales, account management and distribution coordination. New business development will be a priority, alongside strengthening existing relationships. This is a hybrid position with three days working from their London office and two days from home. This role does require the right to work in the UK.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing relationships with booksellers, online retailers, wholesalers and institutional buyers, securing new accounts and growing existing business.
• Presenting forthcoming titles and seasonal lists, negotiating commercial terms, promotions and special sales.
• Building institutional and bulk sales opportunities with librarians, universities, museums and cultural organisations.
• Strengthening distributor and wholesaler relationships, including working with partners such as Ingram and Gardners.
• Improving title availability, stock positioning and ordering across UK and international channels, particularly North America.
• Coordinating accurate trade metadata and effective online listings, working with publishing colleagues and distribution partners.
• Using sales reports and market insight to identify opportunities, inform forecasts and improve commercial performance.
• Represent the organisation at book fairs, trade meetings and industry events.

About You

The successful person will bring established book trade knowledge, and substantial proven experience in book publishing sales, distribution, account management or business development, gained with a publisher, distributor, wholesaler or an established bookselling organisation. You’ll have a strong understanding of how the book trade works, and proven experience of developing accounts, securing new business or expanding sales channels.Confident in presenting books and negotiating terms, you’ll also be comfortable with the practical details behind successful sales, from stock availability and returns metadata and online listings. Strong organisation, commercial judgement skills, and a proactive approach are essential to this role, as is the ability to work independently while contributing to a growing publishing team. Experience with Ingram and Gardners would be useful as would familiarity with NielsenIQ Book Data, Title Editor, ONIX or Bookscan.

This role offers the opportunity to help shape the commercial development of a large, ambitious publishing house, with professional development opportunities, generous annual leave, pension scheme and other benefits. There will be some UK and international travel.

For further details of this exciting new role, please send your CV with a short cover letter, outlining your relevant publishing or book trade experience to: [email protected]