Penguin Random House UK
Key Account Executive - Waterstones
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Key Account Executive - Waterstones
Waterstones Key Account Executive – Penguin Random House
A passionate and relationship-driven Waterstones Key Account Executive is needed to join our Sales team at Penguin Random House. This role will see you collaborating with the Waterstones Head of Sales and Bookseller Engagement Manager to drive sales across all publishing divisions, build strong bookseller relationships, and champion our titles both in-store and online.
About the Role
As a Waterstones Key Account Executive, you’ll support the delivery of our sales strategy by working closely with Waterstones to maximise opportunities and strengthen grassroots bookseller engagement. You’ll create engaging social media content, engage directly with booksellers, and foster deeper connections across both physical and digital channels.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic professional with a genuine passion for books, strong commercial awareness, excellent communication skills, and a talent for building relationships. If you enjoy working creatively and making an impact across all publishing divisions, then this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
Social Media
- Work across all 8 Penguin Random House publishing divisions to develop a strategic social-media-driven engagement plan, balancing priorities across different houses alongside the Bookseller Engagement Manager (BEM).
- Engage directly with Waterstones booksellers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, delivering personalised and inspiring content.
- Create on-brand social media assets for Penguin Huddle, including themed campaigns, visuals, and competitions.
- Offer exclusive prizes and presents to booksellers to enhance engagement.
- Liaise with publishing divisions for cover and title reveals.
Bookseller Outreach
- Develop direct relationships with Waterstones booksellers (both in-store and online) to optimise store support.
- Communicate through email and social media, collating and responding to daily bookseller requests.
- Manage weekly Publisher News submissions, including multi-format options (Netgalley, audiobooks in place of physical proofs).
- Distribute weekly newsletters to Waterstones stakeholders, highlighting key marketing campaigns and publicity updates.
- Organise sales support materials like point-of-sale (POS) Ephominette, coordinating with divisional Marketing teams.
- Coordinate proof mailouts and reading-copy distributions for all publishing divisions.
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Internal Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships with all 8 publishing divisions, understanding their individual strengths and market positioning.
- Deepen analytical and industry knowledge of PRH’s book strategy and position in the Trade and Commercial Market (TCM).
- Provide insights and feedback from grassroots engagement to the sales team and wider company.
- Actively contribute to internal meetings and strategies.
- Create a detail-oriented Bookseller Champions list for different market sectors, sharing industry intel with divisions.
- Continuously review both frontlist and backlist opportunities.
- Foster internal connections through buddy schemes with Marketing teams and regularly share 'on the ground' insights.
What You’ll Bring
Essential Criteria
- Experience in the bookselling industry and a genuine enthusiasm for books and reading.
- Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
- Exceptional organisational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Experience building and managing online communities and social media formatting.
Preferred Criteria
- Hands-on experience planning promotional campaigns.
- A creative, digital-savvy approach to engaging audiences and driving organic growth.
- A collaborative mindset, proactive attitude, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse, distributed team.
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Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we actively encourage candidates with disabilities. If you meet the essential criteria and opt into this during your application form, you will be considered for an interview.
Contact us at PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk to discuss any adjustments that would support you in the recruitment process, or if you need assistance with accommodations.
Salary
Circa £30,000 (debased on skills/ experience fit) + bonus and extensive benefits package.
Working Arrangements
While our offices provide the collaborative environment for deeper engagement with our Sales team, flexibility in working arrangements is a priority. Hybrid working options will be discussed after the interview stage to align with our team’s needs.
Application Instructions
Apply by 26 July 2023 at 11:59pm with your CV and a compelling cover letter, detailing why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Your cover letter plays a crucial role in our assessment—it should reflect your unique voice, experience, and enthusiasm for this position.
Aim to write a succinct, engaging cover letter of one or two pages maximum.
Please note under AI guidelines: Penguin prioritises authenticity. While referencing AI tools is understood as part of the process, ensure your final output is a true reflection of your voice, talents, and perspective.
Celebrate your passion for books, creativity, and the power of connection. We encourage diverse voices and vibrant perspectives—be yourself.
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