Careers at
Make Believe Ideas
Are you passionate about children's books? Do you dream of a role where imagination is celebrated and fun is part of the job description? Then you might just be the perfect fit for the Make Believe Ideas team!
We're always on the lookout for talented individuals to join us on our mission to inspire little readers. When new opportunities arise, we'll announce them right here on our website and across our social media channels.
Account Manager
We have a fantastic opportunity for an Account Manager to join our growing team. This role would suit someone who is highly organised, enthusiastic, has excellent communication skills, and is ready to take the next step in their career.
Make Believe Ideas is a well-established children’s publishing company based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (30 minutes north of London with a direct train link to Euston).
Working at Make Believe Ideas is an opportunity to be part of an exciting story. The company prides itself on our friendly and collaborative culture, and we believe we are unique in the world of publishing with creative, innovative formats and our speed to market approach.
JOB OVERVIEW
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with excellent customer service and client management skills to oversee a portfolio of retail and distributor customers. The role will require hands-on key account management to ensure that excellent customer service levels are upheld. Working closely with the wider Sales team and collaborating with Production, Distribution, and the Studio, you will work quickly, accurately, effectively, confidently, and with initiative to manage customer expectations against the capacity of the company to deliver these expectations.
You will maintain databases that reflect confirmed orders, track existing products as well as understand the customer’s interest and future sales opportunities to achieve sales targets. You will take an active approach to your customers seeking and securing opportunities to grow the business.
DUTIES
Your duties and responsibilities as Account Manager include:
- Manage a portfolio of key retailer and distributor accounts, ensuring that all orders are processed, invoices are raised, and all required sales data is uploaded and maintained accurately on relevant trackers.
- Develop and manage the day to day relationships of each customer, gaining comprehensive knowledge of sales history and ensuring all requirements are met.
- Deliver accurate and detailed Sales and Inventory analysis and planning for customers in a timely manner.
- Provide comprehensive analysis of sales and account profitability, identifying areas for improvement, suggesting approaches, and implementing any agreed actions.
- Manage customer orders from the warehouse to ensure stock is released on time and that all customer commitments are met.
- Act as the liaison and key contact between Production, Editorial, and Studio for customer project delivery.
- Feed into the forecasting and budgeting process, monitor sales against forecast, and ensure your targets are met.
IDEAL CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Skills and Experience required for the Account Manager:
- Previous experience managing customer accounts within a sales environment
- Excellent administrative skills with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise accordingly
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- High attention to detail
- Excellent written, numeracy, and verbal communication skills
- Intermediate/Advanced use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
We offer excellent benefits including career development, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, contributory pension scheme, life assurance, substantial discounts on our books, 20% off hot food served in our on-site café, discounts to many high street and online stores, complimentary massages at our on-site wellness centre, and many more.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.
To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit a cover letter and CV to careers@makebelieveideas.com for review.
Designer
We have an excellent opportunity for a Designer, who has a passion for children’s books and the publishing industry. Working as part of a team, the ideal candidate will have a proficient knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite and will be able to take a job from an idea or sketch through to print-ready artwork.
JOB OVERVIEW
Working at Make Believe Ideas is an opportunity to be part of an exciting story. The company prides itself on its family culture and we believe we are unique in the world of publishing with creative, innovative formats and our speed to market approach.
Working as part of a team, the ideal candidate will have a proficient knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite and will be able to take a job from an idea or sketch through to print-ready artwork.
DUTIES
- Follow a brief and work with other members of the Creative Team on multiple projects simultaneously
- Work to schedules, ensuring deadlines are met
- Produce page designs using InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, ensuring the Design Team’s agreed procedures and styles are adhered to
- Mock up sales and marketing materials to a high standard for new products
- Work with the Design Team Leaders and Art Directors to commission freelance illustrators for specific projects
- Ensure the timely delivery of print-ready artwork to the Production Team
- Check and approve proofs and plotters as required by the Production Team and in accordance with agreed schedules
- Liaise with the Sales and Production Teams, providing creative input and support when required
IDEAL CANDIDATES
- Have a passion for children’s books
- Have a real design flair and are innovative and creative, with strong awareness of current trends
- Have an excellent understanding of design principles, such as colour, typography and composition
- Have a high level of creativity and must enjoy working with others and discussing creative ideas
- Must be very organised, motivated, able to work well under pressure, with a high attention to detail and excellent time-management skills
- Will be proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite
- Must be located within easy commutable distance of Berkhamsted
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.
Please note that this is not an Illustration role.
To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit a cover letter and CV to careers@makebelieveideas.com for review.
