Biteback Publishing is a leading independent publisher of non-fiction, founded in 2009. We publish 50–60 books a year across current affairs, sport, history, politics, social and economic issues and beyond, with authors ranging from prominent politicians, Olympic athletes and KCs to newfound voices with an important story to tell or a timely argument to present.

Described by Charles Moore as ‘Britain’s leading political publisher’, Biteback has carved out a distinctive position in the publishing world, achieving a series ofSunday Timesbestsellers in recent years.

Biteback now seeks a Managing Director to continue that growth and development, and lead the business into a new era.

Role

The Managing Director will lead the Biteback team in the design and delivery of the company’s publishing and commercial strategy, building on the success of recent years to ensure the further development of our distinctive brand and list.

This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of an independent publishing house – the successful candidate will combine extensive experience of publishing, keen commercial acumen and an ambitious, imaginative vision of Biteback’s future direction.

Working closely with our experienced Editorial and Publicity team, as well as with the senior leadership of our parent company, Total Politics Group, you will have the ideas to develop Biteback’s voice and list, the nous to lead a profitable independent publisher to further growth, and the drive to run a small business in an ever-changing sector.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Designing and leading the implementation of the company’s strategy to ensure commercial and editorial success;
• Leading the Biteback team;
• Working closely with the Editorial Director to agree editorial direction, support commissioning and build relationships with agents and authors;
• Working closely with the Publicity Director to ensure effective publicity and marketing for both Biteback and its books;
• Driving strong commercial growth and overseeing Biteback’s sales representatives, key retail relationships and sales strategy;
• Identifying new and future opportunities and challenges for the company and designing timely responses;
• Overseeing relationships with key suppliers, booksellers, sales representatives, authors and clients;
• Making effective business decisions including on print runs, distribution strategy, staffing/recruitment and personnel development;
• Efficient management of processes, people and costs;
• Representing Biteback in public, at book launches and in the media as appropriate;
• Compiling and reporting Biteback’s commercial and operational performance for the Board of Directors;
• Working closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Total Politics Group to communicate Biteback’s strategy and development;
• Working with fellow members of the Executive Committee of Total Politics Group to identify any opportunities or synergies with sister companies.

Experience and Skills

Essential:

• Extensive experience of book publishing, including print and ebooks;
• Very strong working knowledge of the process of commissioning, editing, printing, selling and distributing books, ideally but not limited to non-fiction;
• Clear and ambitious vision for how to develop and grow an independent publisher in a competitive market;
• Creative approach to identifying commissioning or commercial opportunities;
• Commercial attitude to the publishing sector, and an ability to work with measurable goals;
• Very strong experience of and contacts with agents, booksellers, and other key elements of the publishing world;
• Line management and personnel development;
• Very strong organisational skills, including working under pressure to important deadlines.

Desirable:

• Experience of audiobooks and podcasts;
• Experience of growing rights sales to television, film and audio;
• Proven experience of developing new and innovative ways to discover new authors;
• Knowledge of the international book market, including translation rights;
• Experience of financial reporting and C-suite/Board communications.

Benefits include:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Corporate gym membership discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Life assurance (4x Salary)
• Season ticket loan
• Employee assistance programme
• Professional development – opportunity to attend training courses
• Workplace pension scheme
• Private medical insurance

Location:London-based flexible working, with a minimum of three days a week in our Westminster office.

How to apply: Send a CV and covering letter through our applications portal.

The closing date for applications is 12 August 2025; however, we will be reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the process early should a suitable candidate be identified.

Equal Opportunities

At Total Politics Group, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, communities, identities, and experiences, particularly those from groups that are typically underrepresented.

As an equal opportunities employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion includes:

• Ensuring fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory recruitment and employment practices.
• Fostering a workplace culture that celebrates inclusion and mutual respect.
• Making reasonable adjustments to support accessibility and remove barriers wherever possible.

We aim to be an organisation where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed.

If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

C1MD