Working
with us

About Shakespeare and Company
Founded in 1951, Shakespeare and Company is an independent English-language bookstore located at 37 rue de la Bûcherie, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. In addition to serving a local clientele, the bookstore attracts numerous international visitors each year, drawn not only to its selection of books but also to its rich literary history. For decades, this unique space has brought together writers, artists, readers, and dreamers, fostering an inspiring and welcoming atmosphere.

Opened in 2015, the Shakespeare and Company Café extends the bookstore’s literary and bohemian spirit, offering a warm gathering space for coffee and pastries. The café serves a selection of specialty coffees, organic teas, and locally made baked goods.

To continue writing our story, Shakespeare and Company is seeking an Operations Director. Our main focus is upholding and strengthening the bookshop's identity and values while embracing a growing number of visitors like never before.

Working within a team of approximately 50 people and reporting directly to top management, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing daily operations, supporting teams, and contributing to the strategic development of both the bookstore and café.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Development, Business Oversight, and Performance Analysis (Bookstore & Café)

• Conduct monthly analysis of revenue and margins (bookstore, café, online store).

• Perform a quarterly competitive analysis (online market, new and second-hand books, café).

• Collaborate with shopfloor managers to analyze inventory results and implement necessary actions.

• Ensure continuous optimization of different sections in alignment with literary trends, business objectives, and the bookstore’s unique culture.

• Assess the profitability of key products (Year of Reading program, merchandise, bestsellers, etc.).

• Guide managers in improving key operational processes (receiving, ordering, storage, etc.).

• Help develop non-book activities (merchandising): analyze revenue and margins, propose new product ideas.
  
  

2. Business Development & Marketing Strategy Implementation

• Translate strategic analyses into actionable plans in collaboration with the Finance Manager.

• Define monthly/annual revenue and profitability objectives and ensure their implementation with relevant teams.

• Anticipate and support strategic changes.

• Ensure effective coordination between strategy and operational teams.
  
  

Marketing Strategy:

• Enhance our social media presence (bookstore & café).

• Grow our customer base (e.g., collecting visitor data from in-store customers).

• Analyze website traffic to optimize communication strategies.
  
  

3. Team Management & Leadership

• Work closely with team leaders in a demanding, stimulating, and rewarding environment.

• Promote company culture and unite teams around common goals and projects.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary

• Profit-sharing agreement

• Individual performance bonus

• 25% employee discount at the bookstore and café

• Gymlib membership

• Meal vouchers worth €10 (60% covered by employer)

Your Profile

Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong analytical and listening abilities.Highly motivated to take on a role that is both strategic and operational. Autonomous and organized, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Strong numerical skills and expertise in Excel.

Natural leadership qualities, capable of fostering a positive and dynamic team atmosphere.

Fluent in both English and French, with the ability to adapt communication styles to different stakeholders. Passionate about books and literature (especially in English), with a desire to contribute to the growth of an independent and unique bookstore.

Permanent contract (CDI), position available immediately.
If this role sounds like the right fit for you, please send us your CV, cover letter, and three references at work@shakespeareandcompany.com.

A unique place, Shakespeare and Company is an independent English-language bookstore located at 37 rue de la Bûcherie in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. In addition its the local clientele, the bookshop receives many foreign visitors every year, attracted both by books and the history of the place.

The role

Under the responsibility of the store manager and their assistants, your responsibilities will be as follows:

• Greet customers, help answer questions, and provide recommendations;
• Search for books and/or authors using existing software;
• Ensure the proper presentation of books in the bookstore;
• Carry out the restocking of the shelves;
• Help curate displays;
• Participate in annual inventories; and
• Help place customer orders.

Do you want to join a multicultural, caring and friendly team? We offer you the following advantages:

• Attractive salary
• CDI
• 10€ lunch voucher per work day (60% paid by the employer)
• Profit-sharing scheme
• Bonus based on individual performance
• 1 free book per month
• 25% staff discount on the shop and Café
• Free yoga classes

Your profile

You have previous experience working in bookstores (3 years minimum). You have a broad knowledge of culture and a keen interest in Anglophone books and literature specifically. You have excellent interpersonal skills and you enjoy working as part of an energetic and enthusiastic team.

Our bookstore is visited by readers from all over the world and our goal is to offer them a pleasant experience, so it is necessary to be comfortable with large numbers of people and to be able to stay calm even under pressure.

You are fluent in English and French and know how to adapt your communication to best communicate with a range of people.

This position is to be filled as soon as possible on a permanent contract. Requirement to work on weekends, and possibly in evenings. You therefore need to already have the right to work in France, as we don’t offer visa sponsorship.

If this sounds like you, send us your CV and a cover letter (along with 3 references) to work@shakespeareandcompany.com.

Opened in 2015, the Shakespeare and Company Café is an expansion of the artistic and bohemian spirit of the bookstore, offering a warm space where customers can enjoy specialty coffees, quality teas, and locally made pastries in an inspiring setting.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for a passionate and dynamic Café Manager.

Your Responsibilities

As a Café Manager, you will oversee the café’s daily operations and lead the team, ensuring excellent service and optimal performance. Reporting directly to management, you will be supported by an Assistant Manager and oversee a team of 10 employees.

Operational Management

• Supervise all café operations: service, production, supply, and hygiene.
  

• Ensure the quality and consistency of the products offered (coffees, teas, pastries).
  

• Maintain a positive and stimulating work environment for both the team and customers.
  

• Ensure compliance with HACCP regulations and maintain quality standards.
  

• Manage the café’s social media and general communication.
  
  

Team Leadership & Management

• Recruit, train, and support a team of supervisors and ‘équipiers polyvalents’.
  

• Develop staff schedules and manage the workforce efficiently.
  

• Foster team spirit and ensure alignment with the values and history of the café and bookstore.
  

• Motivate and develop the skills of each team member.
  
  

Financial & Business Development

• Monitor inventory, orders, and invoicing in collaboration with the administrative manager.
  

• Analyse café performance: revenue, margins and costs.
  

• Implement strategies to improve profitability and continuously enhance the café’s offerings.
  

• Work closely with management to develop new ideas while maintaining consistency with the Shakespeare and Company universe.
  
  

Position: 35-hour contract, Tuesday to Saturday, daytime shifts with no split shifts.

Your Profile

• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial role in a café, coffee shop, or restaurant.
• Passion for coffee and the world of specialty coffee.
• Ability to lead and motivate a multicultural team.
• Experience in cost control, inventory management, and commercial performance tracking.
• Fluent in English and French – essential for communication with both an international clientele and the team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, while fostering a friendly and dynamic atmosphere.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, based on profile and experience.
  
• Performance-based bonuses.
• 25% discount at the bookstore and café.
• €10 meal vouchers (60% covered by the employer).
• A unique work environment in one of the most iconic cultural landmarks of the English-speaking world.

To apply, send your CV and cover letter to work@shakespeareandcompany.com.