Working
with us
Shakespeare and Company is always interested in hearing from experienced booksellers who are interested in joining our shopfloor team; working both on the shopfloor and on the tills, in customer-facing positions.
Our bookshop is visited by readers from around the world and we aim to give them a pleasant experience of the book world. Being enthusiastic about sharing your favourite books is a must, and enjoying encountering lots of new people - often dealing with crowds - with a calm and friendly manner is also critical. Spoken French and English is essential, as is previous bookselling experience, punctuality, good detail orientation, and the ability to work in a team and under pressure.
Bookstore
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.
Cafe
Opened in 2015, the Shakespeare and Company Café extends the artistic and bohemian spirit of the bookstore by offering a warm and welcoming space where customers can enjoy specialty coffee, fine teas, and local pastries in an inspiring setting.
To strengthen our team, we are looking for a passionate and dynamic head barista.
Your Responsibilities:
As a versatile head barista within a team of 10, you will be responsible for:
- Preparing coffee, tea, and specialty drinks with precision and consistency (espresso, cappuccino, latte art, iced drinks, etc.)
- Advising customers on our products (coffee origins, house specialties)
- Providing friendly, efficient service both at the counter and in the café
- Taking and processing customer orders and payments
- Ensuring tables, dishes, and equipment are clean and well maintained
- Maintaining cleanliness in all work areas in compliance with HACCP standards
- Assisting with inventory management and receiving deliveries
- Collaborating with team members to ensure smooth, positive service
- Contributing to the café’s warm, literary, and welcoming atmosphere
Profile:
You have prior successful experience as a head barista in a coffee shop or in the food service industry. You are passionate about coffee and the world of specialty coffee, which holds few secrets for you.
Accustomed to dynamic environments, you are fluent in both English and French, enabling smooth communication with our international clientele and team. You are able to manage high customer volumes while maintaining impeccable service standards.
You are reliable, punctual, and organized, while contributing to a lively and friendly team atmosphere.
Availability during weekdays and weekends (Saturday or Sunday) is required.
What We Offer:
- Full-time position (35 hours/week)
- Fixed schedule
- Daytime hours
- Meal vouchers (€10, 60% covered by the employer)
- Shared tips
- 25% discount in the bookstore and café
- 50% Navigo pass coverage or sustainable mobility allowance
- A unique work environment within a legendary landmark of English-speaking culture
Please send your CV and cover letter to work@shakespeareandcompany.com
