Sales Administration Assistant Opportunity at Jonathan Ball Publishers Johannesburg

Jonathan Ball Publishers is inviting applications for a Sales Administration Assistant position in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The permanent opportunity is suited to an organised and reliable individual with excellent English communication skills, strong administrative abilities and an interest in the publishing and book trade environment. The successful candidate will provide sales administration support across a range of activities, including preparing sales materials, handling customer queries, maintaining system data and assisting sales representatives. The role requires someone who can manage information accurately, communicate confidently with different stakeholders and remain organised while handling multiple responsibilities. Applications for the Sales Administration Assistant position close on 2 October 2026.

The Sales Administration Assistant will play an important role in supporting the sales function at Jonathan Ball Publishers. The position involves preparing sales kits and order forms for presentation to the book trade, as well as filing and distributing sales materials. The successful candidate will also handle queries from customers and the customer services team and assist sales representatives with various requests. Because Jonathan Ball Publishers works with British and American books and publishing partners, the role includes liaising with UK and US contacts to gather information needed for sales kits and other sales-related materials. Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills will be important when managing the information and documentation required by the sales team.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare sales kits and order forms for presentation to the book trade.
• File and distribute sales materials to the appropriate parties.
• Handle queries from customer services and customers in a professional and timely manner.
• Liaise with UK and US contacts to obtain information required for compiling sales kits.
• Create stocklists for use by the sales team and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assist sales representatives with queries and administrative requests.
• Assist with the creation of digital presentations and other sales materials.
• Load and maintain accurate data on company systems.
• Perform general secretarial and administrative duties.
• Support the sales team with documentation, information and other administrative requirements.
• Keep sales-related information and materials organised and up to date.
• Provide additional administrative support to the sales function as required.

Requirements and Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential.
• A general knowledge of books and/or the South African book trade will be advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary.
• Strong organisational skills are essential for managing multiple administrative responsibilities.
• Strong administrative skills are required.
• A sound knowledge of Microsoft Office is necessary, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Good knowledge of the Internet and email is required.
• Candidates should be comfortable working with computer systems and maintaining accurate information.
• Attention to detail is important when preparing sales kits, stocklists, order forms and presentations.
• The ability to manage several tasks while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines will be beneficial.
• Design skills will be advantageous, particularly when supporting digital presentations.
• Candidates should be professional, dependable and able to work effectively with customers, colleagues and sales representatives.
• An interest in publishing, books or the South African book trade will be beneficial.

The Sales Administration Assistant opportunity at Jonathan Ball Publishers offers candidates the chance to gain valuable experience within South Africa’s publishing and book trade environment while supporting a busy sales function. The role combines administration, customer service, sales support, data management and communication with local and international stakeholders, making it well suited to an organised candidate with strong Microsoft Office skills and an interest in publishing. Jonathan Ball Publishers offers a competitive salary together with membership of Medical Aid and Retirement Funds, while preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups in line with employment equity guidelines; applications close on 2 October 2026 and only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

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