Posted on: September 16, 2025
We have two exciting opportunities to join our team at House of Books & Friends in Manchester city centre.
We are looking for:
1 x Bookseller/Barista – 35 hours per week over 5 days. Full availability required Monday-Sunday. Fixed term until Jan 18th 2026
1 x Bookseller/Barista – 18 hours per week over 3 days (Sat, Sun, Wed/Thurs). Must be available every Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fixed term until Jan 18th 2026.
These roles will be highly focused on customer service in the café and bookshop during the busiest time of year for our business. We are looking for someone who will thrive in this fast-paced environment.
Immediate start possible. Candidates must be 18+.
House of Books & Friends is an independent bookshop. The bookshop is home to a café serving some of the best coffee and cake the city has to offer, with all of our Booksellers taking on a dual Bookseller/Barista role. Our vibrant events programme represents our diverse local community and social mission, and our Booksellers love getting involved with events.
Formed as a Community Interest Company, we are focused on delivering social good and connecting the local community, in the process combating loneliness and isolation. We work closely with our partner organisations to make sure that the best interests of the local community are always paramount. House of Books & Friends is not just a bookshop, it’s a social movement.
As a House of Book & Friends Bookseller, you’ll be community minded and passionate about books and people. You will also have a wide range of reading interests. Our Booksellers are outgoing, enjoy building relationships and chatting with all customers. You will be the face of our brand and our purpose, and you’ll need to help create a friendly, accepting, and safe space.
Key duties:
- Assist customers and answer their enquiries in person, online or over the phone.
- Serve customers in the café and assist with associated cleaning
- Help with events, including our Afternoon Tea creation and service
- Approach customers to discuss and provide book recommendations
- Ensure the bookshop is restocked and maintain high presentation throughout
- Operate tills and stock control systems
- Assist with social media content creation
- Process stock deliveries and returns
- Identify industry trends and possible commercial opportunities
What we’re looking for:
- Good level of book knowledge and curiosity about the industry
- Bookselling or other retail/hospitality experience
- Able to work alone using own initiative
- Friendly, kind and outgoing
- Confident and able to remain professional under pressure
- Good IT skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
Benefits
- £12.60 p/hour
- Staff discount
- Healthcash plan
- Season ticket loan scheme
- A book on your birthday
How to apply:
In order to apply for this role please submit your C.V. and a cover letter detailing;
- A bit more about you and your personality
- Why you would be a good fit for the role
- Recommend us a book and tell us why
- Confirmation that you meet the availability requirements, when you would be able to start the role, and any notice period required from your current role.
Please send all applications to recruitment@houseofbooksandfriends.com, please include the contract you would like to apply for in the subject line (18 or 35 hours)
Applications close 24/09/25
Share This
