The Sales Assistant position will provide admin support to the Open Market sales team and act as a point of contact for our customers including providing regular flow of information and sales materials. This role will cover the HarperCollins Children’s Books, HarperFiction, HarperNonFiction, William Collins & 4th Estate, Harlequin and Farshore divisions. The role covers the Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Latin American markets.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to secure their first role in publishing, build commercial sales knowledge and gain exposure to multiple publishing divisions. This role may involve attending book fairs and supporting across wider sales-based projects from time to time.

Key Accountabilities

• General sales administration including answering customer queries, raising proformas and liaising with Customer Services to support both the UK and overseas based sales managers

• Produce and maintain sales material including order forms, sales presentations and the Schools and Libraries catalogue. 

• Running reports to share with the team (and/or customers where appropriate) such as for subscription and sales

• Work with European Sales Manager on materials for customer trade catalogues.

• Assisting with preparations and planning for London Book Fair and Frankfurt Book fair

• Assist Sales Managers with trip preparation and follow-up as required.

• Create and send email blasts and newsletters to customer base on a regular basis.

• Work with each divisional contact to request, allocate and send marketing materials to customers including proofs, point of sale material, giveaways etc. 

• Work with Marketing & Communications Manager and Sales Exec to put together sales catalogues for Bookfairs

• Collate and share book assets with Sales Managers and customers

Experience required

• Experience of working within an office environment

• Administration experience

• Knowledge or experience of customer service practices [preferred not essential]

• Interest and passion for books and keen to develop knowledge of the industry

Skills required

• Organisation and time management including being able to multi-task and prioritise

• Communication and inter-personal skills both written and verbal

• Good eye for detail

• Creative thinking and suggest new ideas with ability to use initiative

• Problem solving skills

• Literate in Microsoft Office