Prologue is a new independent bookshop coming to South Manchester, complete with a bar, speciality coffee shop and dedicated event space. A new concept for the North, in a huge, dedicated unit, Prologue is going to be the go to for book lovers across the region.
We are searching for our founding team to help shape what Prologue becomes and be a key part of its success, with those stepping into our bookseller role being the core of that.
If you love books, are a people person, and want to be part of growing something special we want to hear from you- whether you have any previous bookselling experience or not.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome and assist customers, providing a friendly face and expert guidance
- Manage point-of-sale operations, processing purchases efficiently
- Unpack, process, and display new book arrivals, ensuring our shelves are stocked and inviting
- Organise and maintain appealing shelves and displays, including promotional setups
- Offer personalised book recommendations and foster meaningful relationships with customers
- Assist on the bar/coffee shop
- Handle customer communications via email and messages, ensuring responsive and thoughtful service
- Respond to telephone inquiries and manage in-store queries
- Assist in the daily operations of the shop, handling returns and other day-to-day tasks
- Coordinate and participate in store events such as book clubs, author signings, and other community engagements
- Be part of our team for events, helping with everything from scanning people’s tickets to running the bar
- Engage in content creation for our social media, and help maintain a robust online presence by updating our website and platforms with the latest books, events, and news
- Contribute to our monthly newsletter and shelf displays, sharing reviews, top picks, and literary trends with our community
- Help create a welcoming and inspiring store environment that encourages repeat visits
- Support the owners with various tasks and contribute to special projects
Person Description
We hire a little differently. For us, the right person outweighs qualifications and experience every time, so we don't have person descriptions for our roles or minimum experience requirements and the like (not even secretly!).
Instead, we have core traits and behaviours that are a good indicator of being a fit for our team across all roles:
- You're a book lover
- You're a great communicator, both written and verbal, who can get on well with people from all walks of life
- You're driven, always wanting to improve and help the business succeed
- You're kind and friendly, with a good sense of humour
- You're a self-starter who can use your own initiative
- But you can also work well with teammates
- You have great attention to detail
- You're flexible and versatile
- You have a creative flair
- You're comfortable taking direction and listening to advice from others
- You're a quick learner
- You're not precious about getting your hands dirty and pitching in to help in any area of the business
- You're professional in your attitude at work
- You work well under pressure
- You're comfortable using technology
There's a lot to the role, but we've deliberately kept the descriptions fairly short and sweet. To summarise further, all we are looking for is someone that fits into our team seamlessly and is willing to get stuck in with whatever our growing business requires- we can help get you up to speed with the rest.
For this role, we are considering both part-time and full-time applications, and there are multiple positions available. Shifts will be available at various times, but with us being an all day offering weekend and evening work is likely to be required.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave (pro-rated for part-time team members), including flexible bank holidays meaning you can use those days elsewhere if you would prefer
- 40% off everything in the shop — including books!
- Free hot and soft drinks from our café
- 24/7 employee wellbeing helpline, including counselling and financial advice
- Company pension contributions (for eligible team members)
- Access to early proof copies, exclusive content, and more!
- Opportunity to attend industry events
- Team socials
