At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, support bookstore operations, and assist in school book fairs.
- Company: Heritage Chinese bookstore promoting reading culture since 1969.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and exposure to the education sector.
- Why this job: Join a cultural mission and make a difference in the community through books.
- Qualifications: O-Level or higher, bilingual in English and Mandarin, and a passion for reading.
- Other info: Flexible roles available; part-time and full-time positions offered.
The predicted salary is between 2400 - 3200 £ per month.
About the Company
Maha Yu Yi Pte Ltd is an established Chinese bookstore in Singapore, founded in 1969 and recognised as a heritage business. If you enjoy books, reading, and engaging with people, and would like to be part of a bookstore that supports schools and promotes reading culture, we welcome you to join our team. This role goes beyond typical retail work and includes involvement in bookstore operations, school book fairs, and reading-related activities across different communities.
Job Overview
We are looking for a Retail & Bookstore Operations Assistant / Executive to support daily retail operations, customer engagement, and book-related activities. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role that requires both service mindset and operational capability. Candidates may be offered an Assistant or Executive position depending on experience and ability.
Key Responsibilities
- Retail & Customer Engagement
- Provide warm and professional customer service to walk-in customers
- Recommend suitable books based on customer interests, reading level, and needs
- Engage with parents, students, teachers, and general readers
- Support customer enquiries and cashiering operations
- Build familiarity with Chinese books, authors, and key reading categories
- Retail Operations & Merchandising
- Support daily retail operations and store upkeep
- Assist with shelving, stock arrangement, and visual merchandising
- Maintain store cleanliness and organisation
- Ensure books are properly displayed and replenished
- Order Fulfilment & Inventory Handling
- Assist in picking, packing, and processing customer orders
- Support incoming stock handling, unpacking, and sorting
- Coordinate internally on stock availability and order fulfilment
- Perform basic inventory handling and stock movement tasks
- School Book Fairs & Events
- Support setup and operations of school book fairs and external sales events
- Assist in book selection, packing, and logistics preparation
- Engage students, teachers, and parents during events (Executive level)
- Take ownership of assigned projects, coordinate with schools or partners, and support event execution independently
Requirements
- Minimum O-Level or equivalent qualification
- Diploma or higher qualification is preferred. Backgrounds in Business, Chinese Studies, Education, or related areas are an advantage, though candidates with relevant experience will also be considered.
- Bilingual in English and Mandarin (spoken and written) to effectively serve Chinese-speaking customers and readers at different stages of learning Chinese
- Strong interest in books, reading, or Chinese culture is an advantage
- Able to handle physical aspects of bookstore operations, including lifting and moving boxes of books, unpacking shipments, and handling stock
- Comfortable with hands-on retail and operational work
- Willingness to work on weekends, public holidays, and during school book fairs or peak operational periods
Preferred Attributes (for Executive level)
- Able to take ownership of work, coordinate with schools or partners, and operate with minimal supervision
- Good communication and coordination skills
- Experience in retail, bookstore, education, or event operations is an advantage
- Familiarity with Chinese books or publishing industry is a plus
Salary & Appointment Level
Salary: SGD 2,400 – 3,200 per month. Appointment level and salary will be offered based on experience, demonstrated capability, and scope of responsibilities. Higher salary within the range may be considered for candidates with relevant experience in bookstore operations, school or library liaison, book fairs, or event coordination.
Why Join Us
- Be part of a heritage Chinese bookstore with a cultural mission
- Opportunity to work across retail, schools, and community events
- Gain exposure to Chinese books, education sector, and reading promotion
- Dynamic role with variety beyond typical retail positions
Other Information
Working Location: Maha Yu Yi Pte Ltd, Blk 231 Bain Street, #03-07, Singapore 180231. Nearest MRT Stations: Bugis / City Hall / Bras Basah.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may apply with an updated resume to: E-mail: staff@yuyi.com.sg. Please include: Personal particulars with recent photograph, Educational background, Working experience, Reasons for leaving previous jobs, Current and expected salary, Position applied for (Full-time / Part-time), Date of availability / notice period.
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Bookstore Assistant / Executive (Full & Part-time) employer: MAHA YU YI PTE. LTD.
Contact Detail:
MAHA YU YI PTE. LTD. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookstore Assistant / Executive (Full & Part-time)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Maha Yu Yi Pte Ltd's history and mission. Understanding their heritage and commitment to promoting reading culture will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer engagement skills! Since this role is all about interacting with customers, think of some scenarios where you can showcase your ability to recommend books and handle enquiries. Role-playing with a friend can really help!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for books! Whether it's sharing your favourite reads or discussing trends in Chinese literature, let your enthusiasm shine through. This will resonate well with the hiring team and demonstrate that you're a perfect fit for their bookstore.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Maha Yu Yi Pte Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookstore Assistant / Executive (Full & Part-time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books: When you're writing your application, let your love for books and reading shine through! Share any personal experiences or favourite reads that connect you to the role. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about joining our bookstore family.
Tailor Your Resume: Make sure your resume highlights relevant experience, especially in retail or customer service. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their skills in engaging with customers and managing operations. Customising your resume shows us you’re serious about this opportunity!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without sifting through unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at MAHA YU YI PTE. LTD.
✨Know Your Books
Brush up on your knowledge of Chinese books, authors, and key reading categories. Being able to recommend suitable books based on customer interests will show your passion for reading and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. This role is all about engaging with customers, so demonstrating your ability to create a warm and professional atmosphere will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Questions
Since this position involves physical tasks like shelving and stock handling, be prepared to discuss your experience with similar responsibilities. Highlight any relevant experience that showcases your operational capability.
✨Express Your Interest in Community Engagement
Talk about your enthusiasm for participating in school book fairs and community events. Share any past experiences you have in event coordination or working with schools, as this will show your commitment to promoting reading culture.