Publisher Relations Manager, Nordic Countries

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.  

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better. 

The Role:

To join our Publisher Relations team, we are seeking for the Nordic countries, an experienced, motivated, passionate, data-driven, and results-oriented individual with a strong understanding of the Nordic publishing landscape, including its unique business models, and with deep connections in the publishing industry. 

This key role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with publishers and driving business growth through strategic partnerships, data analysis, expanding our content catalogue, and navigating the complexities of the Nordic digital content ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key publishers and content providers across Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden to ensure consistent and high-quality eBook and audiobook offerings.
• Proactively identify, negotiate contracts, and onboard new publishers to expand Kobo's catalogue with high-quality, relevant content.
• Act as the main liaison between Rakuten Kobo and Nordic countries book industry key players to be up to date on any new market developments and changes.  
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to publisher performance, content engagement, and communicate regularly with publishers to share performance insights, provide feedback, and foster a collaborative partnership.
• Understand and navigate the different content ingestion processes used by Nordic publishers (including metadata requirements, file formats, and delivery methods), develop creative solutions to overcome technical challenges, and work with internal teams to ensure a seamless onboarding experience for publishers. 
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including content sales, marketing, communications, finance, product, analytics, and content operations, to achieve business goals.
• Work closely with the global Publisher Relations team to align strategies and share insights from the Nordic market.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, preference in Publishing, Business, Marketing, or a related field (master's preferred). 

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years in publisher relations, business development, digital content acquisition, or a related field, with experience in the Nordic market and a strong focus on data analysis and business growth.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and managing complex contracts.
• Deep understanding of the international and Nordic publishing landscape and digital content market and trends.   
• Experience working remotely and managing relationships virtually is highly preferred.

Skills:

• Exceptional negotiation, analytics, and contract management skills. 
• Proven ability to drive revenue growth and strategic partnerships.
• Familiarity with digital content (namely ebooks and audiobooks), business models, contract types, digital publishing standards, and content formats. 
• Knowledge of digital content processes (files and metadata ingestion, digital distribution platforms, etc.).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.  Especially strong written and verbal communication skills for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Personal Attributes:

• Fluent in Swedish.
• Proficient in English and, preferred, in one other Nordic language (Danish, Norwegian, or Finnish).
• A proactive mindset with strong project management and organizational skills. 
• Highly motivated, results-oriented, and passionate about the digital reading industry.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-changing industry and prioritize multiple objectives. Resourceful and able to find creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Excellent time management and organizational skills for remote work.

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter highlighting their experience in data analysis, business growth, contract negotiation, content acquisition, and content ingestion within the Nordic publishing market. Please provide specific examples of how you have used data to drive business results and how you have creatively solved problems related to content ingestion or distribution. Please clearly state your native language proficiency in Swedish in your application. Also describe your experience working remotely and your strategies for successful remote collaboration.

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.  

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.  

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.  

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.  

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: https://rakutenemploymentalert.com/
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