Job Description
We’re looking for a Retail Buyer to plan, select and manage stock purchasing for our Bookshop. This role is responsible for building a values-led retail offer that meets customer needs, reflects Quaker ethos, and supports sales and profitability. You’ll work closely with the Bookshop Supervisor and wider Front of House team and you will be helping to create consistency across the brand while reflecting local needs at Friends House and Swarthmoor Hall (our Quaker heritage and visitor site in Cumbria).
What you’ll do:
* Select, purchase and replenish stock in line with agreed budgets and ethical sourcing principles
* Monitor sales performance and trends to inform buying decisions and improve profitability
* Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing/terms, and manage orders, deliveries and returns
* Oversee stock control processes, including accurate record keeping, labelling and reconciliation with EPOS and finance systems
* Work with the Bookshop Supervisor to plan displays, promotions and seasonal campaigns
* Liaise with Finance on purchase orders, invoices and budget reporting
* Support events such as book signings, product launches and publishing partnerships, working with relevant teams
* Contribute to a sustainable, values-led retail strategy alongside the Head of Operations
What we’re looking for:
* Experience in retail buying, merchandising and stock management
* Strong commercial awareness (margins, pricing and sales performance)
* Excellent organisation and accuracy (orders, suppliers, invoices and stock records)
* Good IT skills, including EPOS and Excel/stock systems
* Confidence managing supplier relationships and negotiating terms
* Understanding of ethical and sustainable sourcing
* Able to work independently and collaboratively across teams
* Sympathetic to Quaker values and ethos (you don’t need to be a Quaker)
Hours: Typically, Monday to Friday (part-time/20 hours per week), with some early mornings/evenings/weekends depending on business needs.
Location: Friends House, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ.
Salary: £24,756 (£43,342 pro rata) inc. London Weighting.
For further details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 6 April 2026.
Interviews: w/c Monday 13 April 2026.
Quakers are committed to equality and welcome applicants from all identities and backgrounds. Selection is based solely on skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. We aim to prevent age, belief, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, neurodivergence, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or social class from being a barrier to employment. We aim for an equitable, user-friendly application process, and reasonable adjustments can be made if needed. As a Quaker organisation we expect all applicants and employees to uphold our values.
We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All candidates will undergo pre-employment checks in line with our Safer Recruitment guidelines.