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- Tasks: Help customers discover amazing books and manage online merchandising.
- Company: Join the iconic Waterstones team in a vibrant London setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for books with innovative online marketing strategies.
- Qualifications: Book knowledge, social media experience, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving bookselling community with growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Online Bookseller to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones in London. The Online Bookseller’s role will be to help customers discover the best of Blackwell’s and the books they both knew and didn’t know they wanted. To harness the knowledge within the business to deliver exceptional customer service and make the site an outstanding example of integrated ecommerce, whilst still maintaining a personal tone of voice and displaying a passion for books.
A core member of the digital team reporting to the senior online bookseller. You will have outstanding book knowledge and a genuine passion for books as well as having experience with social media and be tech savvy and confident working with systems.
What you will be doing:
- Managing the merchandised books on the site
- Ability to write impactful short copy
- Working with Booksellers across the chain in order to showcase their knowledge online
- Communicating with customers and customer service to ensure the highest service standards in the industry
- Identifying and championing books which make a difference, proactively identifying trends and future bestsellers
- Key to delivering the commercial targets for the business
- Developing and delivering email campaigns, both single and multi-channel
- Looking for and developing ‘joined up’ ways of working – shops, online, publishers, customers and external partners
- Managing ‘Back to University’ titles and custom bundles
- Managing a signed and limited-edition offer
- Working with Corporate Professional and Institutional sales, Rare and Mapping on integrated approaches
- Managing the CMS for the site and working with front end development and design on change and developing best practice
- Working with CRM and acquisition in the construction and delivery of the online marketing plan
- Ensuring brand guidelines are adhered to
- Measuring effectiveness of promotions, reporting and optimising
What we need from you:
- Outstanding book knowledge and an irrepressible enthusiasm for books
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Experience working with social media
- Demonstrable short copy skills
- Excellent customer service
- Innovative approaches to marketing and promotions
- Self-starter
- Well organised and able to prioritise effectively
- Good ‘eye’ for design and detail with the ability to brief
- Able to work with software engineers
- Numerate and confident with numbers and modelling
- Proficiency, and confidence in basic technical skills, Excel to a good level
- Bookselling, including face to face with customers, written marketing communication, solid knowledge of publishers and supply chain
- Photography and videography skills – happy to be both in front and behind the camera
Person Profile:
- Able to effectively express themselves at a senior level, and communicate within the team
- Supportive of colleagues
- To be able to work effectively on their own
- Work well with others in a virtual environment – often via email, Slack and Teams
- Sense of humour
Why work for Waterstones:
Waterstones is the cornerstone of bookselling across the UK and Ireland. Joining Waterstones means being an active part in a success story that began in 1982, and books are as popular now as the day we started. Trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we are present in over 300 shopping locations, where Waterstones continues to thrive, each year actively pursuing a programme of new bookshop openings. Online at Waterstones.com, we meanwhile mirror the essence of our bookshops, further showcasing the unique enthusiasm and knowledge of our booksellers.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Online Bookseller in City of London employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Online Bookseller in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Waterstones, their values, and what makes them tick. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your passion for books and how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to be able to talk about your book knowledge and customer service skills confidently. Think of a few examples where you've gone above and beyond for customers or showcased your love for books.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Be ready to discuss how you’ve used platforms to engage with readers or promote books. Show them you’re not just tech-savvy but also know how to connect with the book-loving community.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Waterstones family. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Online Bookseller in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books: When writing your application, let your love for books shine through! Share your favourite reads and how they’ve influenced you. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about the world of literature.
Craft Impactful Copy: Since the role involves writing short copy, make sure your application reflects this skill. Keep it concise, engaging, and relevant. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us what you’ve got!
Highlight Your Tech Savviness: Mention any experience you have with e-commerce platforms, social media, or content management systems. We’re a digital team, and being tech-savvy is key. Let us know how you’ve used technology to enhance customer experiences in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Know Your Books
Make sure you brush up on your book knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite authors, genres, and any recent bestsellers. This will show your genuine passion for books and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Copywriting Skills
Since the role involves writing impactful short copy, prepare a few examples of your writing. Whether it's a book review or a social media post, having these ready will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and creatively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with E-commerce Trends
Research current trends in online bookselling and e-commerce. Being able to discuss how you would champion books that make a difference or identify future bestsellers will impress the interviewers and show that you're proactive.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Brush up on your technical skills, especially with CMS and social media platforms. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them to enhance customer engagement or marketing efforts in the past.
