Bookshop Manager, the Poetry Pharmacy (York)
Location: York city centre
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £30,000 per annum
About the Poetry Pharmacy
The Poetry Pharmacy is a unique destination for literature and wellbeing. Following the success of our Bishop’s Castle and Oxford Street branches, we are opening our third space in the heart of York: part apothecary, part bookshop.
We are now seeking an experienced Bookshop Manager to help bring this new chapter to life.
Essential qualities
- A passion for books and reading, particularly poetry and literary non-fiction
- Experience as a bookseller, with a deep understanding of the independent book trade
- Proven ability to manage staff, including rota planning, communication, and fostering a supportive, collaborative atmosphere
- Confidence in running a retail premises - opening and closing procedures, health and safety, stock management, and daily operations
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills; calm under pressure and adaptable in a busy, creative environment
- A willingness to train as a Poetry Pharmacist, learning to offer our signature Poetry on Prescription consultations (full training provided)
Desirable
- Experience in hosting or programming literary or community events
- Comfortable using social media to help promote the shop and its activities
- Interest in wellbeing, language, and the ways poetry can support mental health and connection
- Well connected to the York literary scene
Benefits
- Salary: £30,000 per year
- Staff discount on books and products
- Supportive and creative working environment
- Opportunity to train and qualify as a Poetry Pharmacist
- Be part of an exciting new space in York and a growing, much-loved independent brand, with opportunities to collaborate or job-swap with our Shropshire team
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short covering letter (no more than one page) explaining why you’d like to manage the Poetry Pharmacy in York to Deborah Alma at djralma@poetrypharmacy.co.uk by November 2nd.
For candidates of interest there will likely involve a 20-30 minute online initial chat, before a call to interview in York.
* Please note we are only advertising for the manager's position at present - more opporunities to follow