Location:
Dublin
Employer’s Address
8 Merrion Square North
Closing Date:
NA
Employer’s Website
https://www.riai.ie/
Employer’s Email
fturvey@riai.ie
Job Description
The Job in a Nutshell: The RIAI is seeking to recruit a bookshop and reception manager to oversee the smooth and efficient management of a small bookshop specialising in architectural and design publications and the RIAI reception area.
The role includes providing excellent customer service and support to RIAI members and the public by phone, email and in person, managing inventory, selecting and purchasing specialist publications, handling reception duties to support the shop’s operations and managing the set-up of meeting rooms.
Background
The RIAI is a dynamic membership organisation with over 4,800 members. An important aspect of the RIAI is its specialist bookshop focused on architecture and design publications. The bookshop is also the first point of contact for RIAI members, visitors and the public when they visit or contact the RIAI in person or by phone or email.
The successful candidate: The successful candidate will be a person who has an interest in design and books. They will also enjoy engaging daily with RIAI members and the public and be able to work in a busy but enjoyable and friendly environment. The role also involves managing front of house staff and operations including coordinating the management of the RIAI meeting rooms. This could range from managing the arrangement of facilities for a meeting for a member and their client, to preparing a room for a board meeting, an exhibition or a book launch.
Job Requirements
Key Responsibilities:

1. Customer Service and Reception:

• Act as the first point of contact for customers and members, greeting visitors warmly and professionally
• Provide recommendations and advice on books and other products
• Handle customer inquiries, complaints, queries from architects promptly and effectively
• Answer phone calls, emails, and manage room bookings if applicable

1. Shop Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the bookshop
• Ensure the shop is well-stocked, tidy, and visually appealing
• Managing stock of building contracts, etc
• Manage budgets and maintain financial records, including cash handling and daily reconciliations
• Implement sales and marketing strategies to drive foot traffic and revenue

1. Buying and Inventory:

• Research and select publications to meet customer demands and shop objectives
• Build relationships with publishers and distributors for ordering and negotiating terms
• Monitor inventory levels, ensuring popular items are restocked while managing slow-moving stock
• Track market trends and identify emerging titles or genres

1. Staff Supervision

• Prepare work schedules to ensure adequate shop coverage
• The facilities officer reporting to bookshop manager

1. Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate records of sales, stock, and purchases
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations

Skills and Competencies:

Essential:

• Strong organisational and multitasking skills
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities
• Experience in buying or inventory management
• Basic financial management skills
• Fluent English
• Proficiency in relevant software, such as inventory management systems and Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Passion for books and the publishing industry (Architecture / Design)
• Experience in retail or bookshop management

Personal Attributes:

• Attention to detail, particularly in maintaining stock and records
• Friendly and approachable demeanour
• A proactive and self-motivated attitude
• A flexible team player with the ability to work independently and make decisions

Working Hours:

• Full-time on site – Monday to Friday 0900-1700 hrs

• Maintain accurate records of sales, stock, and purchases
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulation