Vacancies at Pemberley Natural History Books
Please download and complete the application form, and return to Julie.Johnson@pemberleybooks.com
Closing date for applications: 15th May 2026
Vacancy title: Senior Bookseller (Operations & E-Commerce)
Pemberley Natural History Books
18 Bathurst Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9AZ
01753 631114
Location: Pemberley Natural History Books, Iver, Buckinghamshire, SL0 0DQ.
Two minutes’ walk from Iver station (Elizabeth Line)
Hours: Full-time, 9.30 am–5.00 pm (includes working one or two Saturdays per month)
Salary: £24,000-£27,000 (salary dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Owners (Julie & Ian Johnson)
About Us
Established in 1989, Pemberley Natural History Books is a leading specialist book business. We supply new, second-hand and antiquarian titles published from around the world to a UK and international customer base that includes professional naturalists, scientists, academic institutions, conservation organisations and private book collectors.
Our stock supports research and fieldwork across disciplines such as zoology, botany, ecology, conservation biology and environmental science. The accuracy of our book descriptions, the quality of our service and the depth of our subject knowledge are central to our reputation.
This role plays a direct part in supporting researchers, conservationists and ecologists who are studying the natural world through the supply of specialist natural history books.
The Role
This is a rare opportunity to join a unique small business at an exciting moment of transition. As our long-standing team member approaches retirement, we are looking for a capable, motivated person to help shape the next chapter of Pemberley Natural History Books.
We are seeking an experienced, organised and practical Senior Bookseller to actively participate in the day-to-day running of this specialist book business.
This is a genuinely hands-on role, responsible for order fulfilment, stock management, and customer service. The purpose of the role is to ensure that our shop, website and third-party sales platforms operate smoothly, efficiently and to the high standards expected by our customers.
Working closely with the owners, and with structured guidance and training, you will maintain and improve systems and workflows, support the team and contribute to the continued development of our e-commerce and operational capability.
Why This Work Matters
The books we sell are significant, they:
- Help researchers identify species on conservation projects
- Support ecologists studying fragile ecosystems
- Inform rewilding work, taxonomic research and biodiversity monitoring
- Inspire amateur naturalists who contribute vital citizen-science data
By joining us, you become part of that chain.
Who We’re Looking For
Someone organised, practical and thoughtful, who values accuracy, and who finds satisfaction in helping people who care passionately about books and the natural world.
Role Overview
The Senior Bookseller (Operations & E-commerce) plays a central role in the day-to-day running of Pemberley Natural History Books, with particular responsibility for the efficient processing, packing, and dispatch of customer orders across all sales channels.
This is a practical, hands-on role combining bookshop operations, e-commerce fulfilment, and customer service. The post-holder will help ensure that workflows run smoothly, accurately, and consistently, particularly during busy periods.
Key Responsibilities
Order Fulfilment, Packing & Dispatch (Core Focus)
- Process, pick, pack, and dispatch customer orders accurately and efficiently
- Ensure books are packed securely and appropriately for transit
- Prepare invoices, packing slips, and dispatch documentation
- Select suitable postal and courier services
- Upload and manage tracking information across systems
- Maintain an organised and efficient packing area
- Monitor and replenish packaging materials
- Identify and suggest improvements to fulfilment workflows
E-commerce Operations
- Process orders from the Pemberley website and third-party platforms (e.g. AbeBooks, Biblio, Amazon)
- Maintain accurate order status and customer communication
- Assist with maintaining the quality and consistency of online listings
- Support resolution of order queries, returns, and issues
Bookshop Operations
- Support the day-to-day running of the bookshop
- Assist with shelving, stock organisation, and shop floor presentation
- Help maintain a tidy, professional, and accessible environment
- Support preparation for fairs or external events where required
Stock Handling & Goods In
- Receive and process incoming stock
- Ensure accurate system entry and physical organisation
- Retrieve stock from external storage as needed
- Support efficient movement of stock between storage and shop
- Assist with basic stock listing where required
The post-holder will be expected to:
- Lift and move boxes of books (up to 20kg)
- Retrieve stock from storage units
Customer Service
- Respond to customer enquiries via email, telephone, and in person
- Assist with order queries, availability checks, and general enquiries
- Provide a professional, knowledgeable, and helpful service
Person Specification
Essential
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage a high-volume, task-focused workload
- Reliable, methodical, and consistent approach to work
- Good IT skills and confidence using multiple systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong customer service orientation
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team
- Interest in books and specialist bookselling
Desirable
- Experience in bookselling, retail, or order fulfilment
- Familiarity with e-commerce platforms (e.g. AbeBooks, Amazon)
- Experience in packing, logistics, or dispatch operations
- Serious interest in natural history, ecology, or related fields
- Driving licence
Key Attributes
- Highly organised and dependable
- Calm and effective under pressure
- Practical and hands-on
- Proactive in improving processes
- Collaborative and adaptable
Additional Benefits:
- Staff discount on books
- Free on-site parking
- Opportunity to develop skills in specialist bookselling and e-commerce
- Varied, hands-on role in a respected independent business