Hardie Grant is one of Australia’s leading independent publishers, creating bestselling and award-winning books across lifestyle, food, design, children’s, fiction and narrative non-fiction, alongside an exciting portfolio of international publishing partners.

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially savvy Head of Trade Sales to lead our national sales function on a 12-month parental leave contract, based in either Melbourne or Sydney.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Commercial, you’ll lead national trade strategy across major accounts, independent booksellers and retail channels — driving revenue growth, strengthening customer partnerships and helping shape the commercial success of our publishing program.

This is a high-impact leadership role with visibility across the business, working closely with Publishing, Marketing, Operations and Finance teams to bring standout books to market and maximise performance across every channel.

You’ll join a passionate, collaborative company who genuinely love books, ideas and creating exceptional publishing experiences for readers.

About the role

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and executing the national trade sales strategy across key accounts, independent booksellers and other core retail channels with some direct account responsibility
• Translating revenue targets into practical channel, customer and account plans
• Driving sustainable sales growth through disciplined account planning and strong customer relationships
• Leading account negotiations, sales presentations and business reviews
• Overseeing compelling account presentations, promotional proposals and customer reporting
• Reviewing sales performance, customer trends, market share and competitor activity to identify risks and opportunities
• Providing timely and practical sales insight into acquisitions, program planning and publishing decisions
• Working closely with Marketing, Publishing, Operations, Finance and distribution partners to support strong commercial outcomes
• Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing national sales team.

About you

You’re a strategic and commercially driven sales leader who thrives in a fast-moving consumer environment. You bring strong retail and account management experience, sound commercial judgment and a collaborative leadership style.

You know how to build trusted customer relationships, motivate teams and turn market insight into growth opportunities.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in a senior sales leadership role within publishing, books, retail, media or a related consumer product environment
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate revenue targets into actionable sales plans
• Experience managing national accounts, independent retailers and/or field sales channels
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation and presentation skills
• Strong forecasting, reporting and analytical capability
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and ability to work effectively across multiple teams
• Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working from our state-of-the-art Collingwood (VIC) head office or Ultimo (NSW) office
• Competitive salary + bonus structure
• L&D programs
• Additional leave
• The opportunity to work with a passionate, collaborative team in a values-driven, independent publishing business.

To apply, please submit your current CV and an accompanying cover letter. Candidates will be progressed as applications are received, rather than after the advertisement closure date. If you wish to be considered, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Hardie Grant is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, including people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability. We look forward to meeting you!