We're hiring!

We’re looking for a warm, thoughtful and enthusiastic Part-Time Bookseller to join our team at the Poetry Pharmacy on Oxford Street, London.

The Poetry Pharmacy is a bookshop, café and creative space dedicated to words and wellbeing.

We’re looking for someone who loves books and genuinely enjoys helping people find the right one. You’ll be welcoming customers, selling books and gifts, writing personal Poetry Prescriptions, creating beautiful displays and helping in the coffee shop, as well as keeping the shop running smoothly day to day.

If you’re passionate about books, enjoy talking to people and would love to be part of a warm, creative and slightly unusual bookshop, we’d love to hear from you.

Details of the role and how to apply are below.

Job description

Part-Time Bookseller on Oxford Street

21 hours per week over 3 days, including some weekends
£14.85 per hour

Please note, our bookshop is located on the first floor of LUSH SPA on Oxford Street. Our opening hours, and therefore shift patterns, are from 9.30am until 9.30pm Monday-Saturday, and 10.30am until 6.30pm on Sunday.

What we’re looking for

Essential

  • Previous bookselling and/or retail experience, with a good knowledge of the book trade and a genuine love of reading, particularly poetry and non-fiction.
  • Fantastic customer service skills, with a warm, kind and attentive approach.
  • Confidence engaging in conversation, listening to customers and writing short, thoughtful Poetry Prescriptions.
  • A hardworking and thorough approach, with pride in doing things to a high standard and an eye for detail.
  • Good organisation and the ability to juggle priorities and keep things running smoothly.
  • A willingness to learn, take on feedback and develop within the role.
  • An eye for displays and aesthetics, with an instinct for creating beautiful, thoughtful and inviting spaces.
  • A kind, positive and collaborative attitude, with a genuine willingness to support your team.
  • Flexibility and reliability, and a willingness to get stuck in wherever needed.
  • An interest in wellbeing and mental health, and a genuine belief in the positive role books and poetry can play in our lives.
  • Happy to also work in the coffee shop and help with café duties when needed.

It would be great if you also have:

  • Knowledge of Gardlink stock control systems.
  • An interest in helping to host events.
  • Confidence using social media.
What we offer
  • £14.85 per hour.
  • Poetry Pharmacy employee discounts on books and gifts.
  • Lush staff discount.
  • Free coffee and cake.
  • A supportive and friendly team.
  • Opportunities to get involved in events and wider Poetry Pharmacy projects.

How to apply

If you have bookselling and/or retail experience and are passionate about books, poetry and wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a short explanation of why you think you’d be a good fit for the Poetry Pharmacy to Maya at maya@poetrypharmacy.live by 21st September 2026.

Interviews will be held in central London, with dates to be confirmed.

We look forward to hearing from you!