Role overview

We’re looking for a dynamic and commercially driven Key Account Manager to join our International Sales team, championing the Penguin Random House Children’s list across Asia. In this exciting and outward-facing role, you’ll take ownership of key customer relationships, travelling 6-8 weeks per year across the region and working closely with the Regional Sales Director to shape and deliver a sales strategy that maximises turnover and exceeds targets.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you’ll collaborate cross-functionally to bring our children’s publishing to life in international markets — partnering with International Marketing on retailer promotions, with Distribution and Operations to ensure seamless supply, and with Business Development to create bespoke retailer editions. As a passionate advocate for the Children’s list, you’ll work closely with the PRH International Sales Children’s Director and product teams, feeding back valuable market insight on sales performance, consumer trends, competition, and local-language publishing developments to help inform future strategy and growth.

Account management

Foster and maintain excellent relationships with and understanding of the key retailers in the territories.
Develop and update an in-depth knowledge of the Asia market and its specific needs, country by country, customer by customer.
Act as the first point of contact whether to process orders, authorise discounts, or troubleshoot shipping issues.
Create bespoke sales strategies to ensure growth through in-store promotions, marketing activity, supply chain improvement, or returns management.
Work closely with the International Business Development team to identify and see through to delivery new projects.

Presentation, Negotiation and Analysis

Create bespoke PowerPoints to regularly sell in upcoming new titles and collaborate with customers in person and online.
Negotiate with customers on discounts and special pricing in order to maintain the value of sales.

Strategy

Work closely with key accounts to plan strategic growth through partnerships, exclusive deals, or innovative promotions.
Work closely with the International Sales Children’s Director to plan strategic growth for children’s books in the Asia region.
Take a proactive approach to the market – be curious about opportunities or new developments and chase them down.

Product Management

Work closely with the Children’s International Sales Director and Children’s International Sales team to develop cross-market sales strategies for International.
Become a trusted voice for international within the Children’s division, working closely with the publishing, marketing & publicity teams across all aspects of the business to help shape strategy and advocate for the needs of international markets.
Advocate for the children’s division within the wider international sales structure.
Attend key divisional meetings and represent international markets.
Report and provide sales updates and analysis on behalf of international for key titles and brands.
Report on sales to authors, agents, brand owners & licensors as needed, over email and in face-to-face meetings.

Essential

criteria

Experience of working in an international or UK sales department.
Genuine interest in and passion for and knowledge of children’s books.
Excellent communication, energy, and interpersonal skills.
Strong personal organisation and time management.
Demonstrable analytical and numeracy skills.
The ability to work autonomously in the field and to be an ambassador for PRH and PRH UK Children’s books internationally.
Strong negotiation skills and the ability to flex according to local customs or individual key contacts.
Demonstrate a high level of intentional curiosity for the role, customers, book market, and sales region.
Demonstrate a growth mindset, always seeking new opportunities.
Confidence to act as a strong advocate for the Asia region internally.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHC[email protected]. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.

Application Information

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16th June.
Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.

Use of AI tools

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.

Compensation and Benefits

£37,000 - £42,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

Hybrid working

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role, we expect that you will work from our office in London at least three days per week.

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Key Account Manager - Asia

Job Description