Field Sales Manager (Chicago-area)

About the role

The Adult Sales division of Penguin Random House is seeking a Chicago-area-based Field Sales Manager to oversee the sales, marketing, and merchandising of adult titles from the Penguin Publishing Group. This role involves maintaining communication with indie bookstores about new and upcoming titles, managing accounts, and providing feedback to sales management and publishers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sales, marketing, and merchandising of assigned publishers' books to accounts within designated territory.
• Manage and grow business in the most effective and productive ways for selected indie bookstores.
• Communicate account and marketplace feedback to sales management and publishers.
• Implement management goals, directions, and requirements.
• Stay current on assigned publisher titles and authors, industry trends, and competitors.
• Attend regional trade shows, author signing/pre-pub events, and other industry and account-related events.
• Self-manage territory and office: itinerary, travel, analysis, email, sales materials, etc.
• Speak confidently and enthusiastically about books and reading to groups of book-lovers.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years prior bookstore or publishing experience.
• Awareness of and interest in publishing industry, including titles and authors.
• Passion for reading and for talking about books.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain business relationships specific to book sales.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to access/follow various social media accounts, authors, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 35% of the time.
• Prior direct account management experience a plus.
• Proficiency in Edelweiss a plus.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $77,500 - $87,500. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results. Applications for this role will be accepted through July 25, 2026 or until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as we review applications on a rolling basis. Please include your resume and cover letter for consideration.