Adult Sales Director, Simon & Schuster Group Sales Division

Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at  

Simon & Schuster International is dedicated to publishing a broad and diverse range of books for everyone, representative of the world around us. They are committed to working with and supporting writers, illustrators and other creative partners from all walks of life, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, nationality, religion or belief, age, social or economic circumstance. 

The Group Sales Division

We want to be the most agile, curious, data led and forward-thinking sales team in the industry.  Constantly targeting ourselves to grow sales exponentially whilst maximising every sale profitably.  We should understand the market at a macro level to help guide the direction of travel, whilst understanding customers and our business to the minutest detail to constantly drive marginal gains.  Ultimately, we want to foster a culture of growth for ourselves personally, the team more widely and the business overall, serving our authors and the business better.

The Job Profile 

You will lead a high-performing sales team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, working closely with the Client, Online, Regional, Non-Trade, Irish and International sales teams. You will work closely with the Group Sales Director to set and deliver the UK sales strategy for Adult Fiction.

The Job Role

The successful applicant will take responsibility of the Adult Trade and Sales Support teams, leading a team of five people directly and liaising with wider sales teams on all titles, formats and markets. 

You'll be at the forefront of our sales strategy, using your expertise to cultivate relationships, identify opportunities, and create innovative sales initiatives. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our titles reach their fullest potential.  You will also take responsibility for our Adult Fiction Sales budget, guiding the sales strategy and giving market insight to help us deliver significant growth ambitions over coming years.  Fundamentally, you will have responsibility for delivering sales and profit targets.

You will provide market insight to help inform the overall Adult Fiction strategy and acquisition decisions and stay abreast of industry developments and best practices to drive innovation and adaptability. You will be able to provide immediate market feedback to help optimise the potential of our list and create opportunities to drive and re-invigorate our backlist sales.

The Candidate Profile

You will demonstrate leadership ability, with a passion for developing and empowering teams. You will have exceptional communication, negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills. Your track record will demonstrate your ability to work with multiple stakeholders, internally and externally. You will need experience of developing and successfully implementing the wider business strategy.

You will have genuine enthusiasm for our publishing and ability to generate enthusiasm in others, with a deep understanding of the book market, distribution channels, and consumer trends.

It is essential to have a strong analytical and growth mindset, combined with creative thinking, a proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to embrace change.  It is important you have excellent system abilities, an expertise in spreadsheets, presentations and databases alongside time management skills that include prioritisation and delegation.

Please apply by attaching your CV and cover letter with details of your current salary and expectations.