Are you looking to start your career as a Mid-Level Bookshop & Venue Programme Manager - Edinburgh (Retail & Event Coordination) in Edinburgh? rias is currently hiring local talent for this Mid-Level Bookshop & Venue Programme Manager - Edinburgh (Retail & Event Coordination) role!
Job Description J ob title: Bookshop & Venue Programme Manager Hours : 21 Hours per week Reports to: Head of Outreach Salary : £16,800-£18,000 (FTE £28,000 - £30,000) Location: 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh Closing date: Tuesday 14th April 2026 Role Purpose The role supports RIAS in engaging members and the wider public through the online Bookshop, book talks, exhibitions and a programme of pop-up events. It focuses on coordinating activities, supporting sales and public engagement, and making effective use of meeting and events spaces within the RIAS Edinburgh headquarters. Key Responsibilities The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) is seeking an organised, commercially aware Bookshop and Venue Programme Manager to support engagement with members and the wider public. This part time role combines management of the RIAS online Bookshop with the delivery of book related events and small-scale visual arts exhibitions. The post holder will curate and maintain stock for the online Bookshop and for events, actively support sales through book reviews and promotions, and manage order fulfilment, including Scottish Building Contracts. They will monitor sales each month, contribute to annual targets and complete the year end stocktake, ensuring a strong focus on income generation. Working with the Head of Outreach, the role assists in planning and delivering a venue programme for the RIAS Bookshop and small gallery. Activity will focus on book related events, with scope to expand into visual arts, design and built environment themes. The post holder will also collaborate with marketing colleagues to reach wider audiences through newsletters, website content and social media, and strengthen links with event partners including the Edinburgh Architectural Association, social enterprises, third sector and Edinburgh festivals / cultural community. The role will support Bookshop opening during busy periods and acts as a point of contact for enquiries about the use of RIAS headquarters spaces, including council room, library and gallery. Key Results Contribute to the development and delivery of a programme of book talks and exhibitions through liaison with authors, publishers and contributors from the design and visual arts community. This includes collaboration with the Edinburgh Architectural Association and, where relevant, other RIAS Chapters to support wider outreach. Purchase stock, manage book titles, administer sales, monitor stock levels and provide regular sales updates or reports as required. Optimise the presentation of the RIAS Bookshop and online sales platform, to meet customer needs and drive sales. Support the day-to-day operation of the online Bookshop, including, sales processing and order fulfilment. Organise and support pop up and event related activity, such as book sale evenings, member events, book stalls at partner or RIAS Chapter events, Doors Open Days, gallery exhibitions and launches. Identify additional items for sale online or at events, including photography or art linked to exhibitions or member activity. Identify ways to reach new audiences and increase book sales and event attendance, and work with the Marketing Manager and Outreach Coordinator to trial and implement new approaches. Support the administration of Scottish Building Contract sales, including online orders and pre-arranged collections. Respond to enquiries relating to visits to the Bookshop and bookings for the Members’ Room, Gallery and Council Room, following agreed processes. Assist with administrative duties, including reception cover at busy times. Person Specification Essential Retail, sales or customer facing experience, including purchasing, stock control, managing electronic point of sales transactions and reporting against annual sales targets. Experience of supporting or coordinating public facing or professional events, including those held in the evenings or at weekends. Experience of collaborating with external contributors or partners, such as authors, artists, publishers, suppliers or professional bodies. Experience of working alongside communications or marketing colleagues to support the promotion of events or sales activity. Ability to work flexibly, including evening and occasional weekend duties. Front of house or customer facing experience in a cultural, retail, hospitality, leisure or similar environment. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Desirable Knowledge/ experience of the book selling and publishers especially those connected to architecture, design, the visual arts or the built environment. Experience of supporting exhibitions, visual arts events or gallery activity. Experience of working with a customer relationship management system to manage communications with customers and plan marketing activity. Experience of responding to room hire or space use enquiries. Familiarity with public event requirements, including basic licensing awareness, first aid etc. Awareness of, or interest in, the Edinburgh arts, culture or design community. An interest in architecture, the visual arts or the built environment. Manual handling skills or training relevant to event set up or stock movement. To apply for this position please send your CV and a covering statement (no more than one side of A4) demonstrating your experience in relation to the job description and required competencies. Applications will be shortlisted and those selected, invited to interview. Both the application, supporting statement and interview will contribute towards the assessment and final appointment. Please send your application to [email protected] or by post to RIAS, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BE Deadline: The deadline for applications is Tuesday 14th April 2026. Interviews will be held virtually mid-April.
Benefits
- Flexible Hours
- Training Budget
- Education Support
This Mid-Level Bookshop & Venue Programme Manager - Edinburgh (Retail & Event Coordination) position is a fantastic opportunity to join the team at rias. Apply today via Placed!