Academic Sales Manager

Description:

This leading South African book publisher and distributor requires the services of a Sales Manager for our Academic Division, based in Pretoria.

Expected start date: 01 April 2025

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a sales team, providing guidance, training, support and mentoring as needed.
• Provide ongoing training and support to the sales team to enhance their product knowledge and sales skills.
• Work across UK/US principals with our distribution lists.
• Work closely with the publishing team to identify opportunities for local product development.
• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve sales targets and increase market share and footprint.
• Ensure that key accounts sales targets are met, and high levels of customer satisfaction are delivered.
• Place orders and manage stock.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activity to identify new business opportunities.
• Identify new market opportunities and develop strategies to penetrate untapped segments.
• Monitor sales performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Analyse sales reports and prepare forecasts for management review.
• Analyse sales data and prepare reports to track performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to develop and execute effective sales, publicity and marketing campaigns.
• Present and sell books to customers.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and market developments.
• Attend industry events to network and generate leads.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a sales manager within academic publishing or any other related industry.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Experience in the academic book market is essential.
• Ability to manage author orders, queries and event orders for local academic authors.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and negotiation skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proven track record of successfully achieving targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Valid driver's license and willingness and ability to travel as needed.

The company offers a competitive salary, as well as membership to the Medical Aid and Retirement Funds.

Given our employment equity guidelines, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.

Those who meet the requirements of the post and are interested in applying for this position may apply on the Media24 career portal by clicking on the following link: https://media24.simplify.hr/vacancy/36vrsc

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 16 March 2025

Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Requirements:

• Manage a sales team, providing guidance, training, support and mentoring as needed.
• Provide ongoing training and support to the sales team to enhance their product knowledge and sales skills.
• Work across UK/US principals with our distribution lists.
• Work closely with the publishing team to identify opportunities for local product development.
• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve sales targets and increase market share and footprint.
• Ensure that key accounts sales targets are met, and high levels of customer satisfaction are delivered.
• Place orders and manage stock.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activity to identify new business opportunities.
• Identify new market opportunities and develop strategies to penetrate untapped segments.
• Monitor sales performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Analyse sales reports and prepare forecasts for management review.
• Analyse sales data and prepare reports to track performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to develop and execute effective sales, publicity and marketing campaigns.
• Present and sell books to customers.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and market developments.
• Attend industry events to network and generate leads.

• Proven experience as a sales manager within academic publishing or any other related industry.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Experience in the academic book market is essential.
• Ability to manage author orders, queries and event orders for local academic authors.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and negotiation skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proven track record of successfully achieving targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Valid driver's license and willingness and ability to travel as needed.