Field Account Manager, Pacific Northwest, Independent Sales Team

Simon & Schuster•New York, NY

10d•$80,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Simon & Schuster is seeking a Field Account Manager for its Independent Bookstore Team, based in the Seattle area. This role involves selling the company's complete list of titles—including Wholly-Owned Children’s, Adult, Audio, and Distributed Client titles—to an account base of over 35 independent bookstores in the Pacific Northwest region. The Field Account Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for these accounts, responsible for establishing strong relationships, ensuring open and timely communication, and leveraging knowledge of customers and titles to maximize sales. Collaboration with sales and publishing colleagues, and maintaining communication between them and the accounts regarding popular titles, backlist opportunities, and market trends, are key aspects of the position. Simon & Schuster is a global publishing company known for its prominent imprints and award-winning books for children and adults in various formats and categories.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years sales experience in a mid-size or large publishing company, or equivalent experience
Based in the Seattle area is preferred but other areas within the pacific northwest will be considered as well
Strong understanding of the publishing industry, including market trends, key players, and distribution channels
Strong ability to persuade and negotiate, with a focus on building relationships with accounts
Capability to assess market data and sales metrics to identify opportunities for growth
Efficiency in prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and handle multiple accounts
Excellent verbal and written communication for presenting books and effectively conveying information.
Avid, passionate reader
Flexible, self-starter, attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Independent bookstore experience a plus
Edelweiss savvy

Responsibilities

In-person seasonal sales calls, as well as frequent, regular in-person visits to stores to connect with buyers, events managers, and frontline booksellers.
Attend Regional Trade Shows and participate in in-person Rep Nights at bookstores.
Collaborate with marketing and publicity to help determine tour stops and promotional opportunities.
Work with accounts to maximize promotional placement in-store and online.
Maximize backlist exposure through inventory reviews as well as seasonal, thematic, and regional opportunities.
Build strong relationships with accounts.
Support entry of non-electronically submitted orders (including seasonal, backlist, event, B2B).
Handle account inquiries (including publicity contacts, stock checks, events orders, and tracking) and provide support to ensure customer satisfaction.
Actively participate in seasonal sales conferences and weekly team calls, as well as share feedback to sales management and publishers about activities and opportunities in the territory.
Provide in-person author care, including attending events, providing support for drop-by signings, attending pre-publication dinners and Simon & Schuster Selects events.