Job Description

Rare Books Sales Associate - New York

Location: On-site, New York, NY.

Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 per annum.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (with occasional private appointments on Saturdays).

Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance (details to be provided); 25 days PTO including 7 federal holidays; 10 days sick leave. Federal holidays observed: New Year's Day, MLK Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Friday after Thanksgiving is also a company holiday.

About us

Peter Harrington is one of the world’s leading rare book dealers, handling thousands of fine books from rare seventeenth-century Shakespeare folios to highly sought-after contemporary classics. We are opening a rare book gallery in New York and are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated bookseller to join our team.

Role overview

Working closely with the Sales Director, Head of Cataloguing (UK-based), and an assistant, you will play a key role in developing our New York office. The role is primarily sales-focused, emphasizing client relationships, and will also involve cataloguing rare books, with training provided in our house style.

Responsibilities

• Act as a knowledgeable point of contact for high-end clients, including collectors and institutional buyers, both in person and via email.
• Participate in client events and assist with daily operations to ensure an exceptional customer experience.
• Drive sales through expert recommendations and building long-term client relationships.
• Assist with cataloguing rare books, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Help maintain and enhance the store’s presentation by curating and refreshing displays.
• Represent the business at book fairs, with potential for international travel.

Essential skills and experience

• At least five years of experience in a rare book dealership or auction house.
• Passion for rare books and manuscripts, with knowledge of book history, bibliography, and cataloguing.
• Ability to engage confidently with high-end clients, offering exceptional customer service.
• Strong communication skills, both in-person and via email.
• Professional and polished appearance.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and resolve issues quickly.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word).

Desirable, but not essential

Knowledge of private and institutional rare book markets.

• Previous experience working in a luxury brand or gallery environment.
• Experience working with databases

What does the hiring process look like?

• Application review: We aim to respond to all applicants within two weeks, but individual feedback is not provided at this stage.
• Phone screen: A 15–25 minute conversation with our Head of Cataloguing.
• First meeting: In-person or via Teams with our Sales Director, Head of Cataloguing, and HR Manager (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour).
• Second meeting: Ideally in person, with our Owner/Managing Director and/or Sales Director.
• Offer stage: Our HR Manager will contact the candidate within 2 days of the final interview.

If you interview with us but are unsuccessful, our HR Manager will provide personalized feedback within a few days.

Please note our hiring team is based in the UK so meetings will be scheduled to accommodate the time difference.

How to apply

Applicants should send their CV and cover letter directly to: recruitment@peterharrington.co.uk.

All applications must include a cover letter. Please note that applications without a letter may not be considered.

Closing date

We are reviewing applications and scheduling meetings on a rolling basis, so we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Start Date

Spring 2025.

Additional Requirements

This position requires the ability to lift and carry heavy boxes (average 25 lbs) as part of daily responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Peter Harrington is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs