Field Sales Manager (Chicago-area)

Company Description

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Job Description

Our Adult Sales division has an exciting opportunity for a Chicago-area-based Field Sales Manager to join their team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building business relationships, has a passion for reading and for talking about adult books, and is interested in helping to get books into the hands of readers! 

Overseeing the sales, marketing, and merchandising of adult titles from the Penguin Publishing Group, the Field Sales Manager will maintain ongoing communication regarding new and upcoming titles, backlist opportunities, and market trends between our publishers and the accounts. This role will also provide consistent feedback internally regarding the sell-in of titles and account needs. 

This position will interact with a variety of independent bookstores throughout the Midwest.  

Specific responsibilities include:

• Oversees the sales, marketing, and merchandising of assigned publishers’ books to accounts within designated territory to select indie bookstores. 
• Services these same accounts in order to manage and grow their business in the most effective and productive ways. 
• Communicates account and marketplace feedback to sales management and publishers. 
• Implements management goals, directions, and requirements. 
• Remains current on assigned publisher titles and authors, industry related trends and competitors to allow for the maximization of sales and for accurate forecasting. 
• Attends regional trade shows, author signing/pre-pub events, and other industry and account - related events in the territory.  
• Self-manages the territory and office: Itinerary, travel, analysis, email, sales materials, etc.  
• Speaks confidently and buoyantly to and with groups of book-lovers about books and reading 

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. 

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel via car up to 35% of the time 

• Ability to work some evenings and/or weekends 

• Prior direct account management experience a plus 

• Proficiency in Edelweiss is a plus 

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $73,500 - $83,500. 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 23, 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. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and our FAQs page.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individ