Working
with us

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.).

• Help develop 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 at work@shakespeareandcompany.com.

Shakespeare and Company, the iconic independent bookstore located in the heart of Paris, along with its adjoining café, is seeking an HR Manager for a fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, starting March 16, 2026.

Main Responsibilities:

Recruitment

• Set up the recruitment process, from defining the need with managers to onboarding;

• Monitor hires, probation periods, onboarding, and departures;

• Draft employment contracts and amendments, and track probation periods;

• Complete mandatory administrative declarations.

Career Management

• Conduct annual performance reviews;

• Develop tools and processes for compensation policy, salary reviews, and monitor bonuses and profit-sharing;

• Manage the training plan: propose group and individual training, coordinate funding requests with OPCOs;

• Organize internal events and suggest team-building activities.

Personnel Management

• Create team schedules in coordination with the store manager;

• Manage employee time tracking and absences;

• Implement management tools and HR dashboards;

• Prepare payroll using Silaé;

• Monitor and manage the HR budget.

Employee Relations / Labor Compliance

• Advise, support, and train managers on HR matters and ensure compliance with labor law (application of internal and legal HR and social rules);

• Maintain relationships with social protection and health insurance organizations;

• Provide legal support for disputes, manage disciplinary cases, conduct hearings, and follow up on sanctions if necessary;

• Stay up to date on legal and labor regulations.

A handover period with the outgoing HR Manager will be provided before and after their absence.

Profile:

• Proven experience in a similar role, ideally in an SME and/or cultural environment.

• Excellent organizational skills, autonomy, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Strong sense of confidentiality, listening, and service.

• Proficient in French labor law.

• Experience with Silaé software.

• Fluent English (working language).

• Knowledge of bookstore and fast-food collective agreements is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Attractive base salary

• Profit-sharing agreement

• 25% discount on all bookstore and café products

• Wellpass subscription

• Meal vouchers worth €10 (60% employer contribution)

Contract: Fixed-term (maternity leave replacement) – estimated duration: 10 months
Location: Paris 5th arrondissement
Start Date: March 16, 2026

If you would like to join a passionate team in a unique place, please send your CV and cover letter to: work@shakespeareandcompany.com.

We look forward to meeting you!