Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
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
Please apply with your CV and cover letter.
Unfortunately, Simon & Schuster UK cannot accept applications from candidates without a legal right to work in the UK or who require visa sponsorship. Right to work checks are carried out on candidates who make it to offer stage.
Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
Skills Required
- Substantial senior leadership experience in operations, commercial management, or finance
- Track record of improving operational delivery
- Experience negotiating with suppliers
- Experience leading projects
- Strong financial literacy
- Experience with production, inventory, supply chain, and distribution
- Book publishing experience
- Experience within a US-owned publisher or media organization
- Legal right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship
What We Do
Simon & Schuster is a global consumer publishing company and major book publisher. It publishes more than 2,000 new titles annually across printed and digital formats, offering works that educate, entertain, and inspire readers of all ages. Its business includes numerous publishing groups and imprints, as well as audiobook publishing, including audio editions, original productions, and titles from both its own and external publishing houses.
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