Peter Harrington is seeking a Rare Books Sales Associate to join the team at the New York office as part of their international expansion.
Applicants should send their CV and cover letter directly to recruitment@peterharrington.co.uk. All applications must include a cover/introduction letter. Please note that your application might not be considered without a letter.
The Peter Harrington team will review applications and schedule meetings on a rolling basis over the next few weeks. The team encourages applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Start Date: Spring 2025
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm (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, Christmas. The Friday after Thanksgiving is also a company holiday.
The role:
Working closely alongside the Sales Director, Head of Cataloguing (UK-based), and an assistant, you will be part of a small, collaborative team and will play a key role in the opening and development of the New York office. The role is primarily sales-focused, with a strong emphasis on client relationships, and will also involve cataloguing rare books, for which Peter Harrington will provide training in their house style.
Responsibilities:
• Serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for a range of high-end clients, from individual collectors to institutional buyers, both in person and via email
• Participate in client events and assist with daily operations to ensure a positive customer experience
• Drive sales through expert recommendations and nurturing long-term relationships with clients
• Assist with cataloguing of rare books and other materials, ensuring high standards of accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
• Work effectively within a dynamic, growing team, contributing ideas and taking initiative in the development of our New York presence
• Maintain and enhance the shop’s presentation, ensuring it is immaculate by curating and refreshing window and floor displays, with an eye for design and attention to detail
• Represent the business at book fairs, with potential for overseas travel
Essential skills and experience:
• Ideally at least five years of experience working with a rare book dealer or an auction house
• A passion for rare books and manuscripts, with a strong understanding of book history, bibliography, and cataloguing
• Confident engaging with a wide range of high-end clients, from individuals to institutions, both in-person and over email, offering exceptional customer service
• Skilled at engaging with customers in a book setting, handling phone enquiries, welcoming people into the shop, and offering thoughtful suggestions
• A poised and professional appearance at all times
• Resourceful and practical, with the ability to stay calm under pressure and resolve issues quickly and effectively
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word)
Desirable :
• Knowledge of private and institutional markets
• Previous experience working in a luxury brand or gallery environment
• Experience in working with databases
What does the hiring process look like?
Applicants can expect the following:
• Application review: Peter Harrington aims to respond to all applicants within two weeks. Please note that the team will not provide individual feedback at this stage.
• Phone Screen with the Head of Cataloguing (15–25 minutes)
• First meeting: in person or via Teams, with the Sales Director, Head of Cataloguing, and HR Manager. (Usually 30mins to 1hr.)
• Second meeting: ideally in person, with the Owner/Managing Director, and/or the Sales Director.
• Offer stage: the HR Manager will be in touch within 2 days of your final meeting, with an offer to you.
Please note that the interviewing team is based in the UK, and interviews will be scheduled to accommodate the time difference. If you interviewed but were unsuccessful, the HR Manager will be in touch within a few days with personalized feedback.
**Requires the ability to lift and carry heavy boxes (average 25lbs) as part of daily responsibilities. Peter Harrington is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.**