Operations Director
Shakespeare and Company, Paris
France
About Shakespeare and Company
Founded in 1951, Shakespeare and Company is an independent English-language bookstore located at 37 rue de la Bûcherie, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. In addition to serving a local clientele, the bookstore attracts numerous international visitors each year, drawn not only to its selection of books but also to its rich literary history. For decades, this unique space has brought together writers, artists, readers, and dreamers, fostering an inspiring and welcoming atmosphere.
Opened in 2015, the Shakespeare and Company Café extends the bookstore’s literary and bohemian spirit, offering a warm gathering space for coffee and pastries. The café serves a selection of specialty coffees, organic teas, and locally made baked goods.
To continue writing our story, Shakespeare and Company is seeking an Operations Director. Our main focus is upholding and strengthening the bookshop's identity and values while embracing a growing number of visitors like never before.
Working within a team of approximately 50 people and reporting directly to top management, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing daily operations, supporting teams, and contributing to the strategic development of both the bookstore and café.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Development, Business Oversight, and Performance Analysis (Bookstore & Café)
- Conduct monthly analysis of revenue and margins (bookstore, café, online store).
- Perform a quarterly competitive analysis (online market, new and second-hand books, café).
- Collaborate with shopfloor managers to analyze inventory results and implement necessary actions.
- Ensure continuous optimization of different sections in alignment with literary trends, business objectives, and the bookstore’s unique culture.
- Assess the profitability of key products (Year of Reading program, merchandise, bestsellers, etc.).
- Guide managers in improving key operational processes (receiving, ordering, storage, etc.).
- Oversee non-book activities (merchandising): analyze revenue and margins, propose new product ideas.
2. Business Development & Marketing Strategy Implementation
- Translate strategic analyses into actionable plans in collaboration with the Finance Manager.
- Define monthly/annual revenue and profitability objectives and ensure their implementation with relevant teams.
- Anticipate and support strategic changes.
- Ensure effective coordination between strategy and operational teams.
Marketing Strategy:
- Enhance our social media presence (bookstore & café).
- Grow our customer base (e.g., collecting visitor data from in-store customers).
- Analyze website traffic to optimize communication strategies.
3. Team Management & Leadership
- Work closely with team leaders in a demanding, stimulating, and rewarding environment.
- Promote company culture and unite teams around common goals and projects.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary
- Profit-sharing agreement
- Individual performance bonus
- 25% employee discount at the bookstore and café
- Gymlib membership
- Meal vouchers worth €10 (60% covered by employer)
Your Profile
Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong analytical and listening abilities.Highly motivated to take on a role that is both strategic and operational. Autonomous and organized, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Strong numerical skills and expertise in Excel.
Natural leadership qualities, capable of fostering a positive and dynamic team atmosphere.
Fluent in both English and French, with the ability to adapt communication styles to different stakeholders. Passionate about books and literature (especially in English), with a desire to contribute to the growth of an independent and unique bookstore.
Permanent contract (CDI), position available immediately.
If this role sounds like the right fit for you, please send us your CV, cover letter, and three references.