Sales Manager
Saqi Books Closing date: Fri, 29 May 2026
- Full time
- £30k-£40k
- Apply now
Thu, 07 May 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
This is a new role, created to strengthen and grow Saqi's commercial performance. You are the sales lead for our imprints - responsible for how our books reach readers across every channel and format. You will manage the full range of sales activity: distributor and retail relationships, UK and international sell-in and sell-through, and digital revenue across eBook and audio. You will work closely with the Head of Commercial Strategy on forecasting, title planning and seasonal campaigns, feeding sales data and market insight back into the planning process. You will bring a grounded commercial perspective into publishing decisions from acquisition onwards.
What we offer
A senior commercial role within an independent publisher with a clear identity and purpose
Real autonomy and ownership of day-to-day sales activity
A collaborative environment where decisions are made quickly and your voice shapes strategy
Scope to grow with the business and develop the role over time
Benefits
32 days' holiday (including bank holidays)
Hybrid and flexible working
Discretionary annual bonus
Contributory pension
Birthday leave / personal day
Paid volunteer day
Job Requirements
At least 3 years in a trade sales role within book publishing
Hands on experience managing distributor relationships and retail accounts, with a track record of driving sell-in and sell-through
Confidence with sales data, metadata and ONIX processes
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets
Clear, direct communication and the ability to build lasting external relationships
The ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively in a small team
Job Responsibilities
Manage relationships with our distributors, sales representatives and key retail and wholesale accounts, maximising sell-in and sell-through across UK and export markets
Develop and deliver seasonal sales plans for new titles and backlist, working within targets set with the Head of Commercial Strategy
Drive eBook and audiobook revenue: manage platform relationships, monitor performance data and identify opportunities to improve discoverability and sales
Oversee metadata and ONIX delivery, ensuring our titles are accurately and effectively represented across all retail and library platforms
Maintain accurate, timely sales data to support monthly revenue summaries and quarterly reporting
Monitor the retail landscape and competitor activity, feeding insight into format, pricing and title strategy
Work closely with Editorial and Marketing to ensure commercial thinking shapes the publishing process from acquisition onwards
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Sales Manager
- Salary: £30k-£40k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Literature
- Role: Finance
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Fri, 29 May 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: Sales Manager
Job: Sales Manager
Organisation: Saqi Books
Postcode: W4 1QP
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected], outlining your relevant experience and why this role interests you. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from those underrepresented in publishing.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 29 May
- Contact name: Elizabeth Briggs
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Saqi Books
Saqi BooksSaqi Books is a leading independent publisher based in London. Founded in 1983 out of the pioneering Al Saqi Bookshop in Westbourne Grove – one of the UK’s first specialist booksellers of Arabic literature – Saqi was established to amplify bold, original voices from the Middle East, North Africa and the wider diaspora, voices underrepresented in western publishing and global discourse.