HarperCollins launches 'first of a kind' marketing traineeships

HarperCollins has today announced The Marketing Manager Programme, described as “a first of its kind” traineeship. 

The publisher said: “This 12-month training contract is a unique opportunity for talented individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds with marketing experience in any industry.

"It is open to those already working in the book industry and wanting to fast-track their marketing career or those working in marketing elsewhere and looking to step into the world of publishing.”  

There will be two spaces available, with one in adult marketing and one in children’s.

The two trainees will develop the knowledge and experience needed to become a marketing manager, gaining exposure over the year to their specialised area, working on a variety of campaigns and learning from teams across the business. They will be mentored by a marketing director.

The trainees will be based in HarperCollins’ London Bridge office at least two days a week, starting in early 2024. They will be paid a training bursary equivalent to £30,000 – £34,000, depending on skills and experience.

HarperCollins said that the “a first of its kind” traineeship is part of its long-term strategy to become a more ethnically diverse company, especially at more senior levels.  

It will run alongside the Socioeconomic Traineeship, in conjunction with the social mobility charity upReach, that was announced in August. 

The programme is open to ethnic minority individuals with marketing, PR, communications or social media experience – including marketing executives and senior executives, marketing managers looking to move to trade publishing, freelances looking for a more permanent role, Booktokkers or booksellers with a social media following and returners who previously worked in publishing. 

Joanna Rose, marketing director for HarperCollins imprint HQ, said: “We are delighted to be launching this new traineeship programme which we hope will excite and attract talent within and beyond our industry. We look forward to welcoming the new trainees, hearing their ideas and helping them to develop their skills.” 

John Athanasiou, director of people said: “This is an exciting opportunity for creative individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds to accelerate their career progression or move to the book publishing industry. We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce and this programme is an important step in achieving that.” 

Applications for the Marketing Manager Programme open today (26th September).