PA / Administrative Assistant

Location: Chelsea, Fulham and/or Mayfair (all Peter Harrington locations), London.

Salary: £38,000 -£40,000 (Depending on experience)

Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week).

Reports to: Owner & Operations Director  

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00-18.00.

Benefits: 21 days' annual leave plus bank holiday, holiday purchase scheme, staff parties, employee assistance programme, salary exchange scheme with a 7% employer pension contribution (subject to the employee making their contribution of 3%), season ticket loan, Cyclescheme, enhanced sick pay, enhanced maternity pay, enhanced paternity leave and pay, virtual GP access, seasonal flu jab voucher.

About us

One of the leading rare book dealers in the world and the largest antiquarian book dealer in Europe, Peter Harrington has, for over half a century, dealt with a stock of thousands of fine books, from rare seventeenth-century Shakespeare folios to highly sought-after contemporary classics such as signed and inscribed first editions of the Harry Potter series.

Our principal specialties include literature, economics, politics, philosophy, travel, navigation, military history, science and medicine, children’s books, and fine library sets.

We have a team of over 70 staff across 4 sites (including our newly opened New York gallery), with expertise covering wide areas of antiquarian bookselling as well as a gallery and bindery. We exhibit regularly at several international book and antique fairs and look to continue our growth as one of the leaders in our field.

Our business has grown considerably over the last decade, including acquisition of a share of an American bookseller and the purchase of a property which we are developing to meet our needs.

Responsibilities

The primary purpose of this role is to undertake key administrative functions to support the efficient day-to-day operations of the business. This includes providing direct assistance to the Business Owner/Managing Director on both professional and personal matters and ensuring the smooth running of office-related activities.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Organising domestic and international travel for the business, including booking flights, hotels, car hire, and arranging travel documentation.
• Planning and coordinating events (e.g. summer party, Christmas party, in-store events, other ad-hoc events) in conjunction with the Marketing department, and occasionally managing events independently, including liaising with venues and external suppliers.
• Procurement and management of contracts for goods and services utilised by the business, including, but not limited to building projects, repairs and maintenance, office supplies, cleaning, security.
• Arrangement and renewals of insurances and permits, telephones and subscriptions.
• Managing office operations on an ad hoc basis – including arranging furniture, equipment, stationery, repairs, and removals.
• Arranging meetings within the office and externally including planning and circulating agendas, arranging refreshments, taking and distributing minutes.
• Acting as Personal Assistant to the Business Owner/Managing Director.
• Providing day-to-day administrative support, to the Business Owner/Managing Director including diary management, appointment scheduling, and correspondence handling.
• Supporting the Business Owner/Managing Director with personal and professional tasks as reasonably required.
• Proactive support on day-to-day duties.
• Running business-related errands as required.
• Undertaking any other reasonable administrative tasks in support of the business.

Essential skills and experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a PA or administrative support role, or demonstrable equivalent skills and capability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Excellent spoken and written English, with strong communication skills.
• Highly organised with strong time management and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information and files appropriately.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• A proactive, can-do attitude with the ability to anticipate needs and solve problems independently.
• Friendly and approachable with strong interpersonal skills.

Desirable, but not essential

• Awareness and knowledge of, or interest in, antiquarian books and/or printed media.

How To Apply

Applicants should send their CV and cover letter directly to: [email protected].

All applications must include a cover/introduction letter. Please note, your application might not be considered without a letter.

Closing date

7^th September 2026. We will be reviewing applications and scheduling meetings on a rolling basis over the next few weeks, so we would suggest applying as soon as possible.

Start Date

As soon as possible.

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, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.