At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing library services and maritime book sales for a leading charity.
- Company: Join the Marine Society & Sea Cadets, a vibrant maritime charity focused on youth development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in book buying/selling and customer service is essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: National Support Centre, London SE1
Contract: Part Time, Fixed term Maternity cover
Salary: ÂŁ28,000 gross per annum full time equivalent
Closing Date: 1 May 2026
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development.
About the role
The purposes of the Book Services Coordinator role is to assist the Books and Library Manager in facilitating the charity’s crew libraries service and specialist maritime book sales and also to administer all processes and systems involved within Books and library services.
Responsibilities
- Administration of the functions and systems involved in providing an effective and efficient exchange hardback library or recyclable paperback library service to ships and maritime installations.
- Administrating book order system, and procurement process for all merchandise necessary for the efficient functioning of the Book Services operation.
- Updating and maintaining the Bookshop website with accurate information and prices.
- Assisting in the management of the fulfilment of all sales of books/media to customers and external agencies (On-line bookshop, telephone, mail and “walk-in”), and ensure the maintenance of customer service standards.
- Administration of the Library and Book stock control system.
Requirements
- Experience working in book buying/selling/procurement in a customer focussed environment.
- Experience of using book stock control and freight systems.
- Ability to work unsupervised, make decisions and take responsibility.
- Experience in handling parcel deliveries and packaging goods for shipment.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave per annum increasing with length of service.
- Hybrid working for many roles.
- Life assurance (4x salary).
- Private medical insurance.
- Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling.
- Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
Additional Information
MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.
We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.
Books Services Coordinator in London employer: Marine Society and Sea Cadets
Contact Detail:
Marine Society and Sea Cadets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Books Services Coordinator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime sector or those who work at MSSC. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research MSSC's mission and values, and think about how your experience in book services aligns with their goals. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experience in book buying and customer service, so you can shine when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MSSC team and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Books Services Coordinator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Books Services Coordinator. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Show Your Passion for Books: Let your love for books and maritime knowledge shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely excited about the role and what we do at MSSC.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and achievements stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marine Society and Sea Cadets
✨Know Your Books
Familiarise yourself with the types of books and resources the charity offers. Be ready to discuss your experience in book buying, selling, or procurement, and how it relates to the role. Showing genuine interest in maritime literature can really set you apart!
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. The charity values a customer-focused approach, so think about times when you went above and beyond to meet a customer's needs, especially in a book-related context.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Books Services Coordinator, you'll need to manage various systems and processes. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully handled multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, particularly in an administrative capacity.
✨Embrace Inclusivity
The charity is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Reflect on how your background and experiences align with these values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment for all beneficiaries and colleagues.