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- Tasks: Manage facilities and operations, ensuring smooth daily activities across multiple locations.
- Company: Join a leading antiquarian bookseller with a dynamic team and a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 21 days' leave, flexible working options, and perks like enhanced pay and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company that values innovation and teamwork in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of the rare book trade required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting events and fairs.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours). Reports to: Operations Director. Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
Benefits: 21 days' annual leave plus bank holiday, holiday purchase scheme, staff parties, employee assistance programme, 7% employer pension contribution (subject to the employee making their contribution of 3%), season loan ticket, Cyclescheme, enhanced sick pay, enhanced maternity pay, enhanced paternity leave and pay, virtual GP access, seasonal flu jab voucher.
Our principal specialties include literature, economics, politics, philosophy, travel, navigation, military history, science and medicine, children’s books, and fine library sets. We have a team of over 70 staff across 4 sites (including our newly opened New York gallery), with expertise covering wide areas of antiquarian bookselling as well as a gallery and bindery. We exhibit regularly at several international book and antique fairs and look to continue our growth as one of the leaders in our field. Our business has grown considerably over the last decade, including acquisition of a share of an American bookseller and the purchase of a property which we are developing to meet our needs.
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to assist our Operations Director across our locations. Responsibilities include:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all facilities management concerns across all locations.
- Oversee external suppliers and contractors to ensure optimal delivery and effective cost control.
- Create and enforce policies, procedures, and best practices for support services operations, with a focus on improving efficiency, effectiveness, and safety.
- Collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless operations, including staffing levels, scheduling, resource allocation, and inventory management.
- Propose innovative ideas to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to strategic planning.
- Support the Managing Director and Operations Director with business expansion projects.
- Help with the organisation of fairs and events.
Requirements:
- Extensive knowledge and experience of project management with multiple stakeholders.
- The flexibility and confidence to communicate with a wide variety of suppliers, contractors and clients, in-person and via email.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Commercial and strategic planning experience/awareness.
- Knowledge of rare/antiquarian books and the rare book trade or a related field.
- Experience with a luxury brand or gallery environment.
Interview process includes a phone screen, first meeting in person or via Teams, second meeting ideally in person, and follow-up conversations with key personnel.
Start date: As soon as possible, ideally before June 2025.
Facilities and Operations Officer employer: Peter Harrington
Contact Detail:
Peter Harrington Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities and Operations Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the rare and antiquarian book trade. Understanding the nuances of this field will not only help you in conversations but also demonstrate your genuine interest in our business.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple stakeholders and improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills during the interview process. Since the role involves liaising with various suppliers and contractors, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company’s recent projects and expansions, especially the new gallery in New York. Being knowledgeable about our current initiatives will help you engage meaningfully with the Operations Director and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities and Operations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, facilities management, and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to oversee suppliers and contractors effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Facilities and Operations Officer role. Emphasise your experience with strategic planning and your knowledge of the rare book trade or related fields.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent spoken and written English is essential, ensure your application materials are well-written and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders in past roles.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to operational efficiency and your experience with luxury brands or gallery environments. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas you've implemented in previous positions to enhance operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peter Harrington
✨Know Your Operations
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Facilities and Operations Officer role. Understand the importance of facilities management and how it impacts overall operations. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing suppliers and contractors.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully managed multiple stakeholders. Highlight your ability to create and enforce policies that improve efficiency and safety, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role requires communication with various suppliers, contractors, and clients, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, both in person and via email.
✨Bring Innovative Ideas
Think about innovative ideas you've implemented in past positions that enhanced operational efficiency. Be ready to propose how you could contribute to strategic planning and business expansion projects at the company.
