US Account Manager

LOCATION:  Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (30 minutes from London Euston)

TYPE:           Permanent

A great opportunity has arisen for the position of US Account Manager at Make Believe Ideas, a well-established children’s publishing company based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (30 minutes north of London with a direct train link to Euston).

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with excellent customer service and client management skills, to oversee our key US customer account.  Reporting directly to the US Sales Director, the role will require hands on key account management to ensure that excellent customer service levels are upheld.

Previous experience in the publishing industry is preferred.  Alternatively, you should have previous experience managing or working on customer accounts within a sales environment. This diverse role would be a great development opportunity for a Sales Executive or Sales Co-ordinator looking to step into an Account Management role.

JOB OVERVIEW

Working at Make Believe Ideas is an opportunity to be part of an exciting story. We have grown year on year with an expanding market and staff team. The company prides itself on its family culture, whilst having links to Scholastic Inc the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books.  We believe we are unique in the world of publishing with creative, innovative formats and our speed to market approach.

Liaising with our Sales, Creative, Production and Finance departments, you will work quickly, accurately, effectively, confidently and with initiative. You will maintain databases that reflect confirmed orders, track existing product as well as understand the customer’s interest and future sales opportunities to achieve sales targets. You will take an active approach to your customers seeking and securing opportunities alongside the US Sales Director to grow the business.

DUTIES

Your duties and responsibilities as US Account Manager include:

• Comprehensive and detailed Customer Relationship Management (CRM)- being the first point of contact for customer queries and doing the preparation and follow-up for customer meetings
• Maintain and analyse sales databases, spreadsheets and schedules to track and monitor sales, stock and opportunity 
• Negotiate prices and schedules, communicating any changes in schedule appropriately and managing customer relationships accordingly
• Communicate with our Creative and Production teams following customer feedback
• Help monitor progress against targets
• Build relationships with buyers via email and phone and internal colleagues

IDEAL CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Skills and Experience required for the US Account Manager:

• Previous experience managing customer accounts within a sales environment with strong sales and negotiation skills
• Excellent administrative skills with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise accordingly
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• High attention to detail
• Excellent written, numeracy and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate/Advanced use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)

Excellent benefits including 25 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays, contributory pension scheme, life assurance, substantial discounts on our books, 20% off hot food served in our on-site café, discounts to many high street and online stores and many more.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this role, please submit a Cover Letter and CV to careers@makebelieveideas.com for review.