Design Jobs Board

• 12-month fixed term contract, full time
• Salary: £38,000 – £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• Hybrid working after probation, based in Central London 
• Closing date: Sunday 28 July 2024

The Volume group, a set of dynamic online imprints within global art-publisher Thames & Hudson, seeks an enthusiastic, enterprising, experienced and ecommerce-savvy business manager to drive growth and take the enterprise to the next level of success.

Volume (vol.co) was founded in 2017 as a book-publishing platform to connect creators with superfans across a wide range of the visual and creative arts, from graphic design to popular music, from architecture to Nobel Prize–winning literature. Using both crowdfunding campaigns and limited editions to reach new and niche audiences, the platform’s success led to the recent acquisition of two other digital-native publishers: Read-Only Memory, whose high-specification books on videogaming has captured a devoted fan base, and Unit Editions, the world’s leading publisher of books on graphic design and typography. Backed by 75-year-old independent international art and visual culture publisher Thames & Hudson, headquartered in London, these enterprising initiatives comprise the Volume Group. Volume passionately believes – and its success has shown – that the desire to acquire and own beautiful physical books is as strong as ever, even if promoting their awareness and purchase has fundamentally changed over the past decade. 

The Role

The Business Manager will work with the Publisher, Art Director and Editor, to achieve the following: 

• Shape and refine the business strategy of group, to drive its growth and expansion as it enters a new phase. 
• Play a central role in a new form of publishing, capable of producing books on new areas of content and of reaching new audiences beyond standard publishing channels. 
• Oversee all financial aspects of the group, from title PLs to annual forecasts and budgets; the efficient running and integration of three Shopify ecommerce sites; and the supervision of fulfilling orders, shipping and customer service. 
• Integrate the ecommerce activities of the three imprints, find operational efficiencies for its specialized but global audiences and contribute towards the aim of doubling the group’s turnover within three years. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Substantial experience in a commercial role within the creative industries or in an ecommerce setting
• A higher degree in the humanities or a degree associated with visual culture
• Demonstrable understanding of specialist consumer audiences and their purchasing behaviour
• A strategic thinker with a rigorous eye for detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with digital marketing strategies and techniques
• The proven ability to implement strong controls and processes
• Flair for initiative and teamwork
• Track record of driving business growth
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

At Thames & Hudson, we believe that employing a diverse workforce is essential to succeed and selection decisions are based on applicants’ experience and skills. We welcome applications from everyone, irrespective of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion or belief.

To apply, please send your CV with a cover letter to Sophie Castle at recruitment@thameshudson.co.uk. Use the cover letter to address how you meet the requirements listed in Knowledge, Skills and Experience above. The deadline for applications is Sunday 28 July 2024.

Some of the benefits of working with us:

Apart from working with a highly talented and creative bunch of people, we offer:
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Profit share scheme
• Charity days
• Discounts off our lovely T&H books and co-editions
• Generous pension contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free entry into hundreds of museums and galleries, nationwide

And more!