Foyles

Working at Foyles

Foyles in the Charing Cross Road is the world's most famous bookshop and renowned for its unparalleled range of titles and knowledgeable staff. In 2004 we completed a £4 million investment programme, including a transformed shopping environment and the latest technology.

In June 2005, Foyles opened its first new London branch at the Southbank Centre. Expansion continued further in October 2006, when we opened two shops within Selfridges in London and Manchester. We also have a thriving website and business and professional accounts department with a loyal global client base. Our new store at St Pancras International opened in February 2008.

Foyles currently employs approximately 200 staff across all outlets, with over 20 different nationalities represented and with staff speaking more than 25 languages between them. Nearly all staff are graduates and approximately half have second degrees.

In May 2008 Foyles won two awards at the 2008 British Book Industry Awards, scooping Publishing News Chain Bookselling Company of the Year and Bowker UK Bookseller of the Year. We will be opening another branch at the new Westfield London shopping centre in White City in October 2008.

What is the role of a Foyles Bookseller?

We believe that a key reason why we are award winning booksellers is because we have enthusiastic and dedicated staff who are passionate about books and customer service. The most important thing is that whatever you are doing, whether serving at the till, answering customers' queries (and these are wide-ranging because all Foyles branches are popular tourist destinations), putting books out on shelves or tidying your section, you can communicate your passion for books and give the highest level of customer service.

Unlike other booksellers, we will involve you in the complete process of bookselling, including helping to select and buy books for stock and developing ideas, perhaps in conjunction with publishers, for window displays and promotions. Then there is the satisfaction you will get from helping customers to find books that they have been searching for or recommending books that will give them great enjoyment. You will also be part of a team of intelligent, independent-minded people who make life fun and interesting.

How would my career progress?

You join as a Trainee Bookseller on a three-month probationary period during which time you undertake our induction training programme. At the end of your probationary period your performance would be assessed and if it meets the required standard, you will be promoted to Bookseller and awarded a salary increase. After about 12 months you should have completed our full training programme and progress to Senior Bookseller. Thereafter there are opportunities to be promoted to Head of Department (two grades) at our Charing Cross Road store, and to Assistant Manager and Store or Floor Manager. 90%+ of promotions at Foyles are from within.

What are the working hours?

Full-time staff work 40 hours per week over five days on a rostered shift system. Our Flexible Part Time staff work mainly evenings and weekends which suits people who are at college or whose other work does not have a fixed routine, eg writers, artists, musicians.

Where would I work?

It is inevitable that if we offer you a job we will not have a vacancy in the branch or section relevant to your degree or special interest. However, opportunities to move within and between shops come up fairly regularly and are always advertised internally. Our policy is to recruit the best people we can, put them where we have vacancies so that they can start their training, and then allow them to move to positions they find more congenial as vacancies arise.

What are the salary and benefits?

You would start on a salary of £13,950 per annum rising to £14,750 after your probation period. You would be entitled to 28 days' holiday per annum (part time pro rata) and a Christmas bonus of one week's salary (payable in your year of joining if your start date is on or before 30 June). You would also be entitled to a discount of 30% on most purchases within the shop.

What skills and experience do I need?

You should ideally be educated to degree level and have previous bookselling experience, although we do take applicants who have customer service experience gained in similar retail environments. You should also be able to demonstrate a love and knowledge of books. Good computer skills are essential and the ability to speak foreign languages is an advantage. Above all we are looking for people who are good with customers and eager to convey their enthusiasm for books and literature.

How do I apply?

The first step is to register. Once you are a member, you will be able to apply for jobs directly through the website. We regret that we cannot accept applications by email, fax or post.

Foyles is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from disabled people. If you are disabled and need assistance in making an application, please telephone 020 7437 5660 and ask for HR Department.