Associate Director/Director, Independent Channel Sales (NYC Hybrid)

Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP, Independent Sales & Wholesale to execute strategic plans that drive growth and market share in the independent bookstore channel.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to align sales efforts with publishing goals.
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and account-level data to identify new opportunities.
• Contribute to seasonal sales planning, forecasting, and inventory projections.
• Represent independent sales needs in cross-functional meetings.
• Work closely with Retail Marketing and Publishing teams to align sales strategies with campaign goals.
• Field Sales Team Support & Management
• Lead and provide day-to-day support to a team of 8 field sales representatives reporting to this role.
• Collaborate on new account support and growth with the Inside Sales Team, Sales Manager.
• Serve as a central hub for communication, ensuring field and inside sales reps are equipped with timely updates, sales materials, and inventory insights.
• Manage key programs such as indie terms, promotional campaigns, seasonal offers.
• Develop and deliver compelling title presentations and selling tools tailored to independent bookstores.
• Prepare and organize materials for sales meetings and seasonal conferences.
• Ensure reps are aligned with internal timelines, priorities, and campaign strategies.
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Collaborate with the VP, Independent Sales & Wholesale on channel reporting, including weekly sales updates, title performance, and market insights.
• Develop and deliver actionable analysis on sales data, including comp title performance and overall channel health.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to align reporting with publishing and sales objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5–8+ years of sales, publishing, or related experience, preferably within the independent bookstore channel.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting sales data and trends.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of communications, effectively prioritizing competing and often equal-urgency requests while maintaining responsiveness and accuracy.
• Prior experience supporting or leading teams is a plus.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with BI tools (e.g., Power BI) preferred.

Additional Information & Preferred Attributes

• Hybrid work schedule (3 days/week in office).
• Occasional travel required for industry events, conferences, and account visits.
• Passion for books, reading, and the independent bookstore community.
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Comfort with public speaking and presenting to internal and external audiences.
• Innovative thinker with a focus on process improvement and efficiency.