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Key Account Executive - Waterstones
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Key Account Executive - Waterstones
Wordstones Key Account Executive
We're looking for an enthusiastic and relationship-driven Waterstones Key Account Executive to join our Sales team and help bring Penguin Random House books to life in one of our most important retail partnerships. Working closely with the Waterstones Head of Sales and Bookseller Engagement Manager, you'll play a key role in driving sales across all Penguin Random House publishing divisions, building strong relationships with booksellers, and championing our titles both in stores and across digital communities.
Role Summary
As Waterstones Key Account Executive, you'll:
- Support the delivery of our sales strategy by collaborating with Waterstones to maximise opportunities and strengthen grassroots bookseller engagement.
- Manage key relationships while creating engaging social media content for online bookseller communities.
- Collaborate across all eight Penguin Random House publishing divisions.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who is:
- Passionate about books
- Strong in commercial awareness
- Skilled in building relationships, creative thinking, and impact across both physical and digital channels.
Key Responsibilities
Social Media
- Develop a strategic social media plan across all eight publishing divisions, balancing needs from BEM.
- Engage directly with booksellers in an authentic and personal way on Instagram and Twitter.
- Work on social media assets for the Penguin Huddle.
- Offer exclusive gifts and prizes to booksellers.
- Organise cover and title reveals with publishing divisions.
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Bookseller Outreach
- Build direct relationships with Waterstones booksellers, both physically and digitally, to optimise grassroots support in stores.
- Respond directly to email inquiries and social media requests; collate daily bookseller requests.
- Manage weekly Publisher News submissions, including multi-format alternatives (NetGalley, audiobooks).
- Transmit marketing/publicity campaigns via weekly newsletters for Waterstones stakeholders.
- Organise and distribute sales support materials (e.g., POS, reading copies).
- Coordinate promotional proof mailouts.
Internal Engagement
- Develop strong internal relationships with all eight divisional teams, strategically leveraging their unique market value.
- Foster a deep understanding of Penguin Random House’s publishing landscape.
- Share on-the-ground feedback with the sales team and wider company.
- Attend internal discussions; contribute strategically.
- Create a list of “Bookseller Champions” for key market segments.
- Continuously assess frontlist and backlist opportunities.
- Develop expertise in the book trade and trade commercial markets.
Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Experience in bookselling with passion for reading.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Experience creating engaging social media communities.
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Preferred Criteria
- Experience planning promotional campaigns.
- A creative, audience-driven approach — both in-person and online.
- A collaborative, proactive work style with diverse colleagues.
Disability Confident
Penguin Random House is Disability Confident Committed and welcomes applications from those with verified disabilities meeting the essential criteria.
If eligible, consider reasonable adjustments; contact [email protected].
Application Instructions
- Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining why you're the right fit for the role by 26 July at 11:59pm.
- A cover letter is non-negotiable; typically, it should be one or two pages.
Practice authenticity: Don’t fully rely on AI tools. Truly show your voice, creative flair, and alignment with our culture.
** employed with a salary of circa £30,000 plus bonus and benefits. Offices offer teamwork and celebrations, but you’ll have flexibility for hybrid working arrangements.
Legal & Data Disclosures
Processed under GDPR via The Random House Group Limited or associated legal entity. Prescribed retention follows local laws. Contact [email protected] or our Data Protection Officer at offices for privacy queries.
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