ROLE TITLE Managing Director, Pottermore Publishing
REPORTING TO Group Managing Director, TBP
REPORTS Business Development Director, Marketing Director, Product Development Director, Head of Account Management, Project Director – Full-Cast Editions, Team Assistant
Who We Are
Pottermore Publishing is the global digital publisher of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, as well as of other audiobooks and eBooks from the Wizarding World™. We aim to lead the way in innovative digital publishing and to bring new generations of readers together with long-standing fans, celebrating and bringing to life the stories that first began with the Boy Who Lived.
We operate under the same roof as The Blair Partnership (TBP), working as close colleagues with a shared culture. Together, we’re focused on making things happen in order to deliver real-world creative and commercial impact. We achieve this by believing and staying true to our values: Expertise, Partnership, Integrity, Creativity.
Pottermore Publishing is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where all talent and potential is valued. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and recognise the value that this adds to our business.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Alongside a responsibility for directing day-to-day operations, this role is focussed on the future growth of Pottermore Publishing, thoughtfully balancing a desire to maximise revenue and profitability against ongoing considerations for brand integrity and reputation.
You will set, implement and deliver results from a strong commercial strategy, drive innovation, lead decision-making, have input into all commercial discussions and negotiations (running those with major partners directly), and manage key brand focussed conversations with stakeholders from across the franchise.
Working alongside an experienced leadership team, you will provide strategic advice to help deliver on business goals and share that direction with the Board. And you will lead by example to sustain a productive and positive working culture as you direct and develop the wider Pottermore team.
Summary Of Duties
Responsibilities
- Manage and develop Pottermore’s business strategy and commercial results
- setting, implementing and delivering on commercial strategy against agreed business goals, driving profitability and a strong operating margin
- working with the Finance and Pottermore Leadership (PLT) teams to recommend, and gain approval for, annual budget targets, setting strategy to maximise sales opportunities
- input into all commercial discussions and negotiations, managing those with major partners directly
- alongside the Business Development Director, establish, agree, and implement commercial strategies to deliver new products and reach new audiences, shaping and progress business cases for new initiatives and building stakeholder buy-in as necessary
- in conjunction with the Finance Director, take responsibility for managing Pottermore’s P&L, overseeing costs to manage spend appropriately
- Oversee all day-to-day business activities, to manage broad, cross-discipline working and decision making
- Maintain a good understanding of the business’ contractual nexus and obligations, and of the boundaries to its IP exploitation and management
- Sustain a positive, effective and stable working culture, leading by example to promote the shared values and culture of feedback
- direct the team, acting as an adviser and escalation point, in close collaboration with the PLT and other senior TBP stakeholders including external PR consultancy
- support staff and their development while managing resource decisions based on business needs and priorities
- direct line management for the majority of the PLT, with dotted line responsibilities for the Team Assistant
- maintain, develop and strengthen collaboration across Pottermore Publishing and teams at TBP
- act as overall lead on change management, promoting the rationale and (where appropriate) benefits of change
- oversee the flow of team social activities and celebrations
- Anticipate, identify and resolve issues and problems in the workplace
- Act as an internal and external spokesperson for the business, stewarding the reputation and integrity of Pottermore Publishing, and J.K. Rowling – as owner and author, in all that is undertaken from a brand custodianship perspective
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience, Technical Knowledge And Skills
- A background of 10+ years in publishing or similar creative industry, including experience of B2B account management
- Creative and driven approach to building an ambitious business development strategy
- Strong understanding of key industry trends and how these impact on business activity
- Excellent negotiation skills with a track record of generating and maximising revenue
- Demonstrable ability to manage a team as well as to coach and develop individuals
- Strong interpersonal skills – an ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including those in leadership roles. Able to keep a strong collaborative tone while directing multiple cross-functional and cross-disciplinary teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, confident managing and pitching ideas to stakeholders as well as for developing clear, concise project documentation
- Self-starter able to multi-task and prioritise work effectively within the scope of business needs as well as to implement workflow and process across the team
- A meticulous eye for detail with a desire to set high standards and ensure those standards are met
- Resilient and calm under pressure, a proactive problem solver
- Ability to build and support a strong, cohesive, team culture
- Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams
What You Can Expect From Us
- Competitive Salary
- Company Bonus Scheme
- 25 days’ holiday (plus 8 bank holidays).
- Progressive and inclusive policies around Carers, IVF, Menopause, Pregnancy Loss, etc.
- Enhanced maternity leave (18 weeks at full pay) and paternity leave (2 weeks immediately after birth, and 10 additional days over the following 12 months, at full pay)
- Group Pension Plan where we contribute 5% and annual pensions workshops
- Life Assurance of 4 times salary
- Health Insurance (currently with Vitality)
- Health Shield Cashback Plan – dental, optical, physio and wellbeing benefits and much more.
- Annual Creative Bursary to spend on the creative activity of your choice.
- 2 paid days off per year to spend volunteering and giving back to your favourite cause or community project.
- Monthly Lunch & Learn events – hearing great stories from colleagues, clients and external speakers
- Regular fundraising events to raise money for our charity of the year – we are currently fundraising for the Unique – Understanding Rare Chromosome & Gene Disorders
- Seasonal company parties and team lunches
- Subsidised on-site massages
- Learning and Development opportunities, including an in-house Mentoring Programme
