About Us
Suddenly on Sheaf Street is an award-winning established independent bookshop at the heart of Daventry. We are passionate about books, exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming space where readers of all ages can discover their next great read.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, commercially minded and experienced Bookshop Manager to lead our team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a genuine love of books and independent retail to shape the continued success of a thriving community bookshop.
The Role
You will be working 37.5 hours per week across 7 days as defined in the staff rota.
As Bookshop Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the shop, leading and motivating the team while delivering an outstanding customer experience. You will combine strong commercial awareness with a passion for books, ensuring the shop remains an inspiring destination for customers while achieving sales and profitability targets.
You will take ownership of stock management, merchandising, events, team development and operational excellence, helping to strengthen the bookshop's reputation within the local community. You will work closely with our sister company Suddenly Publishing Ltd, an ambitious indie publishing company, launching more than 20 books in the next 12 months. You will help deliver book launches for books published under the shared Suddenly name.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and develop the bookshop team to deliver exceptional customer service.
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the shop, ensuring high standards are maintained at all times.
- Create attractive and engaging book displays that inspire customers and maximise sales.
- Manage stock levels, ordering and inventory control to ensure a varied and well-presented range of books, crafts and gifts.
- Analyse sales performance and implement initiatives to drive revenue and profitability.
- Prepare staff rotas, manage performance and support the recruitment, training and development of colleagues.
- Build strong relationships with customers by providing knowledgeable recommendations and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Plan and deliver author events, book launches, children's activities, workshops and other community events that increase customer engagement and footfall.
- Oversee cash handling, reporting and administrative duties accurately and efficiently.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and maintain a clean, safe and attractive retail environment.
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
- At least three years' management experience within a bookshop or retail environment.
- A proven track record of leading and developing successful teams.
- Excellent customer service skills with a passion for creating memorable shopping experiences.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience of driving sales and achieving targets.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively in a busy retail environment.
- Experience of stock control, merchandising and retail administration.
- Confidence using retail EPOS and stock management systems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A genuine enthusiasm for books and reading. Knowledge of current publishing trends and genres would be an advantage.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to lead one of Northamptonshire's best-loved independent bookshops. You'll play a key role in shaping the future of the business, developing a talented team and creating memorable experiences for our customers and community.
If you're passionate about books, enjoy leading people and want to make a real difference within an independent business, we'd love to hear from you.
Salary commensurate with experience
Workplace pension
25 days annual leave plus an extra day on or in the month of your birthday
Private medical insurance
Gym membership contribution
Cycle to work scheme
Staff discount
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
