Sales Manager, PRPG

The primary responsibility of the Sales Manager, PRPG is to drive revenue growth by building strong, collaborative relationships with our distribution and client-service partners and their sales teams to maximize placement and sales of our books across their accounts. This position will also have direct sales responsibility for accounts as assigned.  This role requires a strong understanding of market dynamics and customer needs, as well as a commitment to staying current on emerging trends, competitive activity, and new opportunities. The Sales Manager will also identify opportunities to develop custom books and products tailored to specific accounts.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience working with key trade national accounts, special sales and wholesale accounts, including direct interaction with buyers and close collaboration with distributor sales teams. The role also requires strong inventory and stock management skills to ensure active titles remain in stock and are available to support sales opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:  

• Develop and execute sales strategies to drive revenue growth across special sales, and distribution accounts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail buyers, distribution partners, client-service teams, and external sales representatives.
• Work closely with distribution partners’ sales teams to identify opportunities and maximize placement of company titles across their accounts.
• Conduct regular account reviews and analyze sales, POS, inventory, and market data to identify growth opportunities and address performance challenges.
•  Research market trends, competitive activity, consumer preferences, and emerging opportunities to inform sales strategies and title recommendations.
• Present new and existing titles to buyers and sales teams, providing compelling product positioning, sales data, samples, and account-specific recommendations.
• Identify and develop custom publishing opportunities tailored to the needs of specific retailers and special sales customers.
• Collaborate with Publishing, Editorial, Marketing, Product Development, Operations, and other internal teams to communicate customer feedback and support successful product development.
• Monitor inventory levels, sales forecasts, stock transfers, and production schedules to ensure active titles remain available to support customer demand.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with internal and external partners through meetings, phone calls, email, and other communication platforms.
• Travel as needed to meet with customers, sales partners, distributors, and industry contacts.
• Other duties may be assigned, directed or requested.

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field is required.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in publishing sales with specialty retail customers preferred.
• Demonstrates strong business acumen and an understanding of sales strategies and market dynamics.
• Proven track record of achieving sales goals, with strong negotiation skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships through in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and presentations.
• Confident in engaging and building relationships with customers and stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and persistent in achieving business objectives.
• Maintains a professional presence and represents the organization effectively in customer-facing interactions.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop innovative, practical, and effective client solutions.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Strong to advanced experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required. 
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to speak with all levels of the organization and outside partners.
• Must be proficient in basic mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to do algebra, calculate figures and amounts and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• A methodical and organized approach to problem-solving.
• The work performed is in an office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at low decibels.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, team environment. 
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.