Bookseller (195 Hour Maternity Contract),Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape

Bargain Books; Malmesbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A major bookstore chain in Malmesbury seeks a Bookseller for a 195-hour maternity contract. The role involves assisting customers, managing stock, and providing excellent service. Ideal candidates will have retail experience, strong communication skills, and a love for books. Benefits include discounts and medical insurance.

Benefits

Book Discount

Incentivised targets

Group Retirement Annuity

Medical Insurance

Employee Birthday Gift

Qualifications

• Energetic and well-presented sales person.
• Physically strong and healthy.
• Bilingual with good computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with a friendly attitude.
• Keep the store tidy and attractive.
• Manage stock and assist the manager.

Skills

Customer Service

Sales skills

Communication skills

Retail experience

Knowledge of books

Teamwork

Education

Matric

Degree in English Literature

Marketing qualification

Job description

Overview

VACANCY NOTICE

POSITION: Bookseller (195 Hour Maternity Contract)

REPORTING TO: Store Manager

STORE: Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape

Our philosophy is to provide our customers with choice and value.

Bargain Books is one of the biggest book retailers in South Africa, with over 80 stores and growing rapidly. We are the winner for best bookseller of the year 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013 and 2011.

We believe in hard work and entrepreneurial thinking within a dynamic, sales and service orientated environment. We aim to provide our customers with superior service and value for money through our passion for books and people.

Purpose of the job:

As a bookseller you will receive and unpack stock, categorize books and merchandise stock for the customer. You will also focus on customer service making sure the customer gets excellent service by delivery of their needs. You will build up your book knowledge every day to build strong relationships with the customer driving up sales.

Responsibilities

• Customer Service – offer assistance to every customer entering the store with a friendly and positive attitude.
• Housekeeping – keep the store clean and tidy.
• Merchandising – ensure window displays and in-store displays are attractive and changed every two weeks. Check that bestsellers are in stock and on display.
• Stock Management – assist the manager in measuring and controlling shrinkage.
• Security – be alert and aware of non-shopper/shop lifters.
• Book knowledge – continually build knowledge of the books in the store.
• Sales and upselling – build relationships with customers, upsell and cross-sell, push promotions, and recommend substitutes and other unique products.
• Sourcing and ordering books for customers using lookup systems available.
• Admin and control – cash up, credit card checks, wage payout, shortage reports, supplier payout, attendance register, email communication, gift vouchers, etc.

Qualifications

We are looking for an energetic and well-presented sales person who is physically strong and healthy.

You need a minimum of a matric and preferably have experience in retail or a sales environment.

You could be starting out in your career and have a marketing qualification, a degree in English literature, Communications, Journalism or other qualifications that will benefit your career being in a bookstore.

You will gain people skills, be empowered with knowledge and will be exposed to merchandising, promotions, sales techniques, the publishing industry, authors, etc., which will set you up for your future career.

The successful applicant will have the following attributes:

• Fully bilingual
• Neat and well presented
• Above average communication skills
• Positive and friendly attitude
• Knowledge of books and willingness to learn
• Sales skills
• High level of computer literacy
• Physically strong and fit
• Work well under pressure
• Good follow through and commitment
• Work well with a team with commitment and support
• Prepared to work long hours and alternate weekends

Benefits

• Book Discount
• Incentivised targets
• Group Retirement Annuity
• Medical Insurance
• Employee Birthday Gift

Application

Applications and CVs should be addressed to Kelly Booysen, Recruiter – [e-mail]

With “MALMESBURY 195 HOUR MATERNITY CONTRACT BOOKSELLER” stated in the subject heading

Closing date: 09 October 2025

NB: Only successful candidates will be interviewed. If you have not heard from us after the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

Preference will be given to candidates who will add to the diversity of our organisation.