Bookshop Manager
Location: 34-36 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3ES
Reporting To: School Director
Responsible for: Bookshop Staff/Student Assistants
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9.45am – 6.15pm & regular evening and occasional weekend work.
Who We Are
The Architectural Association (AA) was founded in 1847. It is governed by its members and is committed to public benefit attained by the learning, teaching, discussion and promotion of architecture. With 850 students and staff the AA School is central to the AA. The school is recognised as a worldwide leader in architectural education, with graduates that include many of the world’s leading architects, scholars, critics and educators. The Architectural Association School of Architecture has maintained its independence for more than 160 years and its courses span from Foundation level to PhD.
The AA Bookshop is a leading specialist architecture and design bookshop with a range of books that also touch on philosophy, critical theory and art. Located within the Architectural Association, the shop is housed in a spectacular Georgian building on Bedford Square in central London.
Established in 2009 the AA Bookshop is the public face of AA Publications. Since opening the AA Bookshop has developed an incredibly successful business and reputation.
The Role:
The AA seeks to recruit an experienced Bookshop Manager to undertake a broad range of bookselling activities and managerial responsibilities both on the shop floor and with back of house administrational and development co-ordination duties. It is a fantastic opportunity to develop experience in specialist bookselling working with and managing an exceptional team of committed colleagues.
Who we seek:
A punctual, organised and highly motivated individual with a proven interest in and knowledge of architecture and related subjects.Ideally a graduate with at least two years experience as a Bookshop Manager preferably working within an independent bookshop. A customer service ambassador, energized by working with books and people, ability to drive sales, precise administrational skills, proficient computer skills and the capacity to work under pressure are essential. Must be well presented.
Main Responsibilities
The Bookshop Manager will oversee and take responsibility for all daily activities involved in running the shop which includes but is not limited to the following key duties:
- Managing the Bookshop budget and related accounts.
- Managing the bookshop team and responsibility for staff development and training.
- Book Buying
- Stock management: replenishing daily stock sold, returns processing
- Schedule and manage annual stock take
- Organising preparations for special events held in and out of the shop including ordering and return of stock.
- Website maintenance, online sales, sending of email newsletters and social media activity.
- Ensure customer service is of the highest standard at all times.
- Maintain stationary stock and liaise with suppliers to negotiate a cost effective stationary provision.
- Organise book launches and other bookshop events.
- To be able to demonstrate thorough knowledge of the stock by finding and recommending books to customers.
- Managing customer and library account orders
- Manage good working relationships with all departments within the school.
- Work closely with the AA Publications team, Head of Public Programmes and Head of Exhibition's to promote the AA Publishing programme, the Public Programme of lectures and events and other events that enrich the school.
- Work together with the Accounts department to ensure that both payroll budget and purchase invoicing are accurate, timely and within budget.
*It is important to note that heavy lifting will be required on a regular basis. Occasional late evenings of work and alternate Saturdays may be required.
Essential requirements:
*A proven interest and knowledge of architecture.
*Minimum 2 years experience of working in a bookshop at a managerial level.
*Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
What We Offer
Competitive full-time salary with generous holiday benefits, and a defined-contribution pension scheme.
Discounts on most purchases in the bookshop.
How to Apply
A statement of interest and your CV along with salary expectations by post or email to . The deadline is Sunday 25th June 2017. Please clearly state the job title in the subject heading.
Please note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK
The AA, inc. has an equal opportunities policy applicable to all job vacancies, and internal applicants are encouraged to apply.