Sales Executive

Watkins Publishing, a leading innovative and independent book publisher is looking for an experienced Sales Executive to work across the Watkins Media imprints—Watkins, Nourish, Repeater and Angry Robot—to continue our global growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to join a growing independent publisher with a wide range of genre publishing. They will be hungry to build on their sales career and be part of the company’s forward strategy and success.
 

Established in 1893, Watkins Publishing is one of the oldest publishers of mind, body, spirit and personal development books. Nourish is a more recently established imprint focusing on wellness through food and drink. Repeater is the home of vigorous intellectual insight, commentary and creation across all genres. Angry Robot is the award winning home of the best in modern adult science fiction, fantasy and everything in between.  All are part of Watkins Media Ltd, an independently owned multimedia group specializing in books, magazines and digital content.
 

Working within the sales & rights team and reporting to the Group Sales Director, the key responsibilities are to grow sales through the UK trade and non-traditional markets, supporting the business in servicing and supporting it administratively as needed, as well as analyzing in-house and industry data to identify new opportunities for sales expansion. As a strong negotiator and excellent communicator, you will be driving sales with your retailer base (accounts TBD, depending on the experience you bring), working to creatively build a sales strategy with each one, and placing the best titles with your customers to maximize turnover. You will be naturally proactive, dynamic and flexible in how you work with accounts and the wider business.
 

Key Duties

• Develop, manage and direct sales into a range of customers, with an emphasis on opening new business
• Manage day-to-day business by submitting and tracking orders, running P&L statements as needed, providing quotes, and negotiating prices where applicable
• Working with management on inventory planning and stock management
• Provide insight and feedback on customer preferences, retail trends, and the wider market
• Liaise with multiple parts of the business, including sales colleagues, editorial, production, marketing and publicity and more
• Regularly analyzing Nielsen data and any other available account-level data to measure sales effectiveness and title performance
• Maintain knowledge of competitive titles and market conditions, as well as coop/promotional options and activity
• Maintain strong relationships with buyers and collaborating strategically when appropriate

Key Skills/Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• A sound knowledge of how sales works in the publishing industry
• A strong relationships with key buyers and tremendous account handling skills as well as the ability to step into the next phase of their career
• Excellent presentation and intercompany communication skills
• An entrepreneurial mindset of always looking for new business and how to expand
• A keen mind for figures and the ability to analyze industry-wide data, budgets and identifying opportunities
• The ability to work within a busy department and company, reacting swiftly to the ever-changing demands of an independent publisher
• Solid skills with the full Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, SeeView/ReView warehouse interfaces highly beneficial
• A positive attitude and friendly, courteous disposition
• A desire to be a part of a growing, independent publishing house
   

The position includes a contributor pension scheme, competitive benefits and is based in our HQ offices in Islington (N1). For consideration, please send your CV and cover letter to Chris Wold, Group Sales Director (chris.wold@watkinspublishing.com) by 10 August 17.