Inpress: Managing Director

'The Managing Director is the senior executive position in the organisation, responsible for the effective management of Inpress and for its success, financial health and sustainability'

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Managing Director to lead Inpress, the Arts Council England funded organisation at the heart of the UK's independent publishing and poetry communities.

Inpress is the UK's specialist sales and marketing agency for independent publishers, representing over 60 innovative presses from across the UK and Ireland, connecting their distinctive poetry, fiction, writing in translation and non-fiction with readers and booksellers worldwide. It is also home to the Poetry Book Society. Founded in 1953 by T S Eliot to promote contemporary poetry, the PBS continues to introduce thousands of readers to new work each year through our curated poetry book club and poet selections.

This is a unique opportunity to steer a dynamic, values-driven business that champions bold literary voices, supports a diverse network of independent publishers, and brings poetry and literature to new and wider audiences. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, this role combines commercial acumen with cultural leadership and offers the chance to shape the future of two respected organisations with national reach and international ambition.

The Managing Director is the senior executive position in the organisation, responsible for the effective management of Inpress and for its success, financial health and sustainability.

The role will include:

• Oversight of two successful commercial businesses, ensuring their continued success
• Lead the development and implementation of Inpress's business strategy.
• Ensure the financial sustainability and effective financial oversight of Inpress.
• Provide strategic leadership in financial decision-making.
• Lead the organisation's legal, financial and governance compliance.
• Manage successful funding applications, particularly to Arts Council England's National Portfolio.
• Provide effective leadership and management to a team of seven people, including direct line management of four senior staff and freelance staff.
• Lead on all key negotiations and contract agreements with staff, commercial partners, suppliers, and clients,
• Manage and maintain contractual relationships with publisher clients, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Stakeholder management of publisher clients, Inpress board, Arts Council England, key commercial partners

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate

• Proven track record of senior management or leadership experience in the Publishing or Arts sector.
• Publishing industry knowledge.
• Outstanding sales and business development skills.
• Experience of business planning and reporting.
• Strong communication skills and experience of public speaking and presenting.
• Experience of managing and developing a highly skilled in-house team and freelance employees.
• Understanding of governance and experience of working with company boards.
• Sound financial management and operational experience.
• Experience of developing and managing complex partnerships and maintaining strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders.

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne - minimum three days in the office

Contract: 4 days a week, permanent

How to Apply: Email a CV and covering letter addressed to Joanna Reynolds to

Inpress is committed to supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can succeed. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and seek to employ a workforce representative of the publishers and markets that we serve. Please let us know if there are any adjustments needed for individuals to ensure a fair recruitment process.

For more details and a full job pack please visit our website.