Field Sales Representative – Chicago

Overview

Are you passionate about books and connecting books with readers? HarperCollins has the exciting opportunity for a Field Sales Representative to join our Independent Retail Sales Team.

The person in this role will lead the day-to-day relationships with the independent bookstores in their assigned territory.

They will be responsible for selling all frontlist and backlist titles across the HarperCollins Adult and Children’s lists.

This position is our indie accounts’ primary point of contact for all things HarperCollins, and will forge relationships based on trust, open and timely communication, and a strong knowledge of our lists and processes.

In addition to their selling responsibilities, the Field Sales Rep will provide feedback on an ongoing basis to Sales Leadership, Director of Field Sales, Adult, Publishing, Marketing, and Publicity on what is happening in the marketplace for their territory with title sell-in and category trends.

The Field Sales Representative will report to the Vice President of Independent Sales and Wholesale. This position will sell Adult and Children’s titles to independent bookstores in the Midwest (IL, IA, MN, MO, NE, WI).

Ideal candidates will be based in the Chicago, IL area.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Manages the day-to-day relationship with the independent bookstores in the assigned territory.

Sells front list titles to independent bookstores in the assigned territory.

Conducts regular backlist inventory reviews for assigned stores, with an emphasis on maximizing sales growth.

Stays abreast of current publishing trends, develops, and maintains a deep knowledge of the breadth of the HarperCollins complete catalog.

Develops and maintains strong partnership relationships with account base.

Keeps Sales Leadership, Director of Field Sales, Adult sales colleagues, and publishers informed on what is working in assigned accounts.

Collaborates with retail marketing on account-specific promotional and marketing plans to support publisher programs and priority titles.

Attends and participates in meetings and shares ideas and opportunities to grow the business. Meeting attendance will be both virtual and in person.

Attends regional trade shows, author signings / pre-pub events, staff picks and other industry and account-related events in the territory.

Self-manages the territory and office : itinerary, travel, analysis, email, sales materials, etc.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years’ prior retail, sales, or marketing experience; bookstore or publishing experience is a plus

Self-starter with enthusiasm and ability to take initiative

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work both independently and collaboratively

Excellent time management skills

Strong follow-up skills and attention to detail

Ability to think creatively and recognize new sales opportunities

Ability to travel regularly via car and / or plane; driver’s license required

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Edelweiss a plus

Job Locations US-IL-Chicago

Category Sales

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

EEO / AA / M / F / Disabled / Vets