Head of Sales

Head of UK Sales - 12-Month Parental Leave Cover

We have an exceptional opportunity within a award winning children's publisher, who are looking for a motivated and results-oriented professional to spearhead their sales team during a 12-month parental leave cover. Become part of their thriving and acclaimed organisation with a primary focus on the vibrant Children's market.

As the Head of UK Sales, you will be entrusted with developing and implementing our clients comprehensive sales strategy across diverse sectors. Your role will involve effectively managing a team consisting of two Key Account Managers, a Sales Assistant, and a Field Sales Manager. Collaborating closely with their Sales and Marketing Director, you will drive growth and oversee crucial accounts, including prestigious retailers and prominent industry entities.

This is a full-time position requiring your presence in the office three days a week. Reporting directly to the Sales and Marketing Director, you will have the unique opportunity to lead and cultivate your own sales team.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Lead and empower Key Account Managers and Sales Assistant, fostering an environment of feedback and guidance to identify promising sales prospects within their respective sectors.

• Forge collaborative partnerships with the Field Sales Manager to maximise opportunities with independent booksellers, educational suppliers, and all segments of the market.

• Assume responsibility for selling to our Special Sales accounts, working closely with the Production and Sales teams to optimize print runs and broaden our customer base.

• Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing Director to effectively monitor and adapt sales budgets for UK Trade Frontlist and Backlist.

• Coordinate with the Production department to meet delivery deadlines while ensuring compliance with customer specifications.

Key Skills, Characteristics, and Capabilities:

The ideal candidate should be able to Demonstrate prowess in sales, presentation, and negotiation, underpinning your ability to drive compelling results. Extensive experience working closely with Production teams, effectively optimising costs and capitalising on sales opportunities. Whilst exceptional organisational skills allowing for effective prioritisation and seamless task management. A Proven track record in cultivating profitable business relationships and KPI lead targets, and a genuine interest in children's books, encompassing board books, novelty books, picture books, and young fiction.

Don't miss out on the chance to lead a dynamic sales team and contribute to the resounding success of our rapidly expanding organisation. Apply now and become an integral part of our clients mission to inspire young readers through children's literature.

For a full description of the role, please send your CV with a brief paragraph outlining your relevant skills.

Closing Date: Early applications may be prioritised.

** Inspired Search & Selection are a publishing recruitment specialist who operate an Equal Opportunities policy. We treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability or union membership status.

In May 2019, Inspired Search & Selection pledged to promote The Book Trade Charity. As a charity, BTBS offer financial help to people (particularly those under the age of 30) looking for jobs in the book trade, including help with interview costs, to help support paid internships and work experience and for other opportunities for development. Please follow this link to check eligibility and further support.