Job Vacancy with Jonkers Rare Books

Job Description: Bookseller and Cataloguer

Location: Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire
Salary: £24,000-£45,000+ depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, full time
Hours: Five days per week, 9.45am-5.45pm, including up to two Saturdays per month.

Jonkers Rare Books is a leading international dealer in rare books, manuscripts and original artwork. We have been established for nearly 30 years during whcih time we have acquired a reputation for helping to build exceptional libraries for private individuals and institutions.

Our specialisms include English Literature, Children’s Books & Illustration, Travel & Exploration, and Literary Manuscripts.

We are looking to recruit someone to join our small team as a bookseller. Expertise is the cornerstone of our busi- ness, and we will train the successful candidate in all aspects of antiquarian bookselling. The principle aspect of the roll will be researching and cataloging rare books in preparation for sale. The roll will also include client facing elements of sales, both face-to-face in our shop and at bookfairs and over the phone or through email.

To be successful at this roll you will need to have exceptional spoken and written English, meticulous attention to detail, good incisive research skills and commercial awareness.

Responsibilities will include some or all of:

• Preparation of antiquarian and rare books for sale, including research, cataloguing and collation.
• Face to face sales and assisting customers, providing a high level of service and knowledge.
• Shop displays, housekeeping and other duties linked to being in a specialist, boutique shop, as required. • Responding to phone and email enquiries from customers.
• Overseeing shipment of books, including packaging and liaising with couriers.
• Updating our website and social media feeds.
• Preparing e-commerce mailings and printed marketing material.
• Attending book fairs in UK, with scope for overseas book fairs subject to development.

Essential Attributes and Experience:

• Demonstrable interest in one or more of our areas of expertise, though previous work with rare books is not essential.

• The ability to learn quicky and retain information.

• The flexibility to work up to two Saturdays a month.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to comunicate effectively.

• Excellent spoken and written English.

• Competence in using computers, databases and social media.

• The right to work in the UK.

  Desirable Attributes:

  • Knowledge of antiquarian books and the rare book trade.
  • Competence using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign to create digital and print media. • To hold a driving licence and have a vehicle.

  Benefits:

  - 28 days annual leave (including Christmas and Bank Holidays)
  - Opportunity for professional development by attending relevant conferences and seminars. - Company Pension Contribution
  - Possibility of company share ownership, subject to development and suitability

  To apply: Please email a CV and covering letter to info@jonkers.co.uk. Please note your application must include a covering letter to be considered.

  Closing date: 15 November 2024, though applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on an ongoing basis, so we suggest applying as early as possible.