Managing Director, Random House

Random House managing director Michael Moynahan began his career as a sales rep. Picture / Greg Bowker

My Job

Name: Michael Moynahan
Age: 40
Pay: $35,000 for entry-level sales rep, $85,000-$120,000 at the senior management level.
Job title: Managing director
Working hours: Typically 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and after-hours functions as required.
Employer: Random House NZ

Qualifications: A lot of people in this business are former teachers or English language graduates. For those interested in the editorial side there's a 32-week diploma in publishing at Whitireia Community Polytechnic (Porirua).
Career prospects: I progressed into this role having started as a 23-year-old sales rep. The most likely progression from here would be into similar roles overseas within publishing or other media or non-industry related roles requiring general management skills. Establishing an independent publishing company is always an option.

Q: What do you do?

A: Random House is a mainstream trade and fiction publisher. I'm responsible for the quality and commercial viability of the 87 new books we publish annually and the 1000-plus books that we also represent locally. That means developing and maintaining the public face of Random House and managing each aspect of the business - from sales and editorial through to the logistics of getting books to market.

While no two days are the same, much of my time is spent meeting departmental heads on any number of issues, from creative and operational activities through to warehouse flow, what we'll publish and suitable book covers.

In addition to managing 60 staff I'm constantly reviewing the financial aspects of the business. I also spend a lot of time meeting authors and building relationships through launches and industry functions. There's lots of domestic travel involved in this business and, as a director of Random House Australia, I cross the Tasman regularly.

Q: Why did you choose this job?

A: It was partly due to being in the right place at the right time after deciding not to pursue my career as a teacher. My gravitation from sales rep to managing director was a natural progression. Publishing was also compatible with my love for English and books.

Q: What skills do you need to run a book publishing house?

A: You need diplomacy, a quick mind, the ability to multi-task and excellent attention to detail. As well as having a working knowledge of editing, sales/marketing, finance, operations and general management skills you also need the ability to deal with complexity.

Q: Best part of the job?

A: I love juggling the creative with the financial demands of making a commercially viable product. It's incredibly satisfying to take something raw and turn it into a professional finished product.

I also enjoy the logistical challenge of getting product to market.

Q: Most challenging/difficult part of the job?

A: Publishing is the ultimate expression of optimism. Maintaining the energy, and commitment to the process is a constant challenge. Getting it right comes down to research, planning, understanding the market and knowing what books you typically have the most success with.

Q: What sort of training do you get?

A: Most training is on an "as needed" basis. For example, I've been on a "finance for non-financial managers" course and last year attended a business and leadership course in Switzerland.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this career?

A: Take a good look at this industry and identify what parts you might want to be involved with, for example sales, marketing or editorial. If you're more interested in the editorial aspects, the course at Whitireia is worth doing. For those more interested in sales it's important to be well-informed about the sector at large.

It's not worth getting involved unless you have a genuine liking for books and understand the power of the written word. This is a fun, creative and exciting industry to work in and good English and multi-tasking skills will be regarded favourably.