Commercial Operations Director

The Job Profile Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, UK & International, this newly created role will lead Production, Publishing Operations, Author Contracts and UK IT. As a member of the Leadership Board, the Commercial Operations Director will ensure reliable delivery of our publishing programme and shape how our operational teams support the next stage of Simon & Schuster UK’s growth.   Leading experienced functional heads, the Director will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, improving performance, developing teams and balancing cost, quality, service and risk. The role will also act as the UK’s sustainability lead and collaborate with global colleagues, including teams in Australia and India and the US.   The Job Role The Director will set operational priorities, strengthen accountability and lead improvements across production, inventory, distribution, author contracts and IT support. They will oversee supplier relationships and major negotiations, improve stock management and title availability, and deliver measurable savings across manufacturing, freight, storage and distribution.   Working closely with publishing, sales, finance and global teams, the Director will resolve operational issues and deliver projects that reduce duplication, manual effort and delays. They will support timely author contracting for the UK and Australia, align UK IT services with global arrangements, and coordinate carbon measurement and practical sustainability improvements.   The Candidate Profile The successful candidate will bring substantial senior leadership experience in operations, commercial management or finance, with a record of improving operational delivery, negotiating with suppliers and leading projects. They will have strong financial literacy and relevant exposure to production, inventory, supply chain and distribution. Book publishing experience is strongly preferred; experience within a US-owned publisher or media organisation would be particularly valuable.   They will be a commercially astute, collaborative leader who develops specialist managers across disciplines and builds productive relationships with suppliers and senior international stakeholders. Comfortable moving between strategy and operational detail, they will communicate clearly, challenge constructively and see decisions and projects through to completion.   Salary Description: Competitive and benefits