Retail Manager, Children's ( 12-month-FTC)

About PenguinWe’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. Retail Manager: Consumer Products & Experiences Penguin Ventures (12-month-FTC)Penguin Ventures is the consumer products and experience team of Penguin Random House Children’s UK. We manage and exploit our portfolio of iconic literary brands and characters: Peter Rabbit, The Snowman, Spot, Flower Fairies and more, across product, experience and digital. We find new ways to tell the world's favourite stories by creating strategic partnerships in licensing, retail, promotions, experiential, theatrical, exhibitions; in location-based experiences; and across the digital landscape.The role The Retail Manager (Penguin Ventures Licensing & Consumer Products) is responsible for owning and delivering the overall retail strategy, leading relationships with both new and existing retail partners to drive growth. The role focuses on increasing brand presence across physical and digital retailers, managing sell-in activity and activating cross-category retail promotions aligned to the wider marketing calendar to ensure impactful campaigns are in place for key trading periods. In addition, the Retail Manager oversees and manages all ecommerce channels across the Penguin Ventures brand portfolio, ensuring strong execution, visibility, and performance across all touchpoints.Key responsibilities: Retail Brand DevelopmentTo bring to life the brand strategy for each property from a retail first perspective taking into account trends, strategic initiatives and areas for development working in partnership with Penguin Ventures category leads and creative team.To track how our brands are performing at retail vs our competitors with a focus on identifying growth areas and sectors.To make recommendations for new retail partnerships to work with.Retail PitchingTo create bespoke pitch materials targeting new retailers.To be aware of our current licensee product offerings ensuring these are presented to retail at a high-level with the aim of securing brand buy-in and incremental retail placement.To think creatively and offer solutions to retailers in terms of product offering / product mix.To pitch cross-category initiatives to retailers working with the creative team on supporting visuals.Retail CommunicationTo be the main point of contact for cross category and retail marketing initiatives.To arrange and attend retailer meetings ensuring appropriate licensees and Penguin Ventures team attend where necessary.To provide timely updates to retailers on our brand licensing programmes.To create relevant internal retailer update reports and presentations.Ecommerce ManagementOverseeing all owned ecommerce channels across Penguin Ventures brand portfolio to drive revenue growth.Monitor ecommerce performance and optimise to improve our shop pages and store fronts to increase site efficiency, conversion rates, AOV, customer retention to improving the customer shopping journey by working with our web developers on execution of these plans.Managing selling campaigns and optimisation of listings; collaborating with licensees on new product launches, online exclusive ranges, promotional campaigns and cross category activations.Run AMS sponsored ads and paid-for social campaigns considering key products from licensees.Implementing new product ranges onto our brands’ ecommerce channels and Amazon stores, ensuring products are correctly merchandised with A+ content including copy, images and videography working alongside our partners.Working closely with the social and marketing teams to coordinate product launch and promotional campaigns.What you’ll bringExcellent knowledge of the retail and licensing industry; the key partners and relevant retailer buyers.Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to pitch brands to retail buyers to secure buy-in, additional space or cross-category opportunities.You will have experience of retail operations and an excellent knowledge of the UK retail landscape.A proven track record of working with retailers either at a brand or category specific level is essential.You will have exceptional organisational and planning skills.A great communicator who can be persuasive in making their argument while balancing the views of others.Calm under pressure and able to think on your feet when the situation demands.Disability ConfidentAs a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.Application instructionsPlease apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 29 th March 2026. Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.SalaryCirca £53,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.Hybrid workingWhile our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect the successful candidate to work from our London-based office a minimum of twice a week currently on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Other in office days are required as well regular visits to licensees and retailers.BenefitsIncome ProtectionHealth assessmentGym flexLife event leaveDental insuranceCycle schemePlease note that we do not accept any CVs via agencies, and any sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee.