Book Sorting Specialist
Based in Dunmurry, location easily accessible by Translink train and Glider services
Permanent contract
Full time 40 hours per week
Salary: £27,872 per annum (£13.40 hourly rate)
ABOUT US:
Oxfam Ireland is a values-driven organisation committed to reducing poverty and inequality while promoting sustainability and reuse. Through our network of charity shops, bookshops, donation streams, and recycling initiatives, we give donated goods a second life while generating vital funds for our work around the world.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Book Sorting Specialist will play a key role within Oxfam Irelands retail and reuse operations by sorting, grading, categorising, and preparing donated books and media for redistribution across our shops and other sales channels.
The successful candidate will help maximise the value of donated books by identifying quality, collectible, vintage, academic, specialist, and high-demand stock, while ensuring unsellable items are responsibly recycled. This role supports Oxfam Irelands sustainability goals and helps generate vital income for our charitable work.
BENEFITS
- Private Health Insurance
- Generous annual leave allowance(25 days exc. Public Holidays)
- Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 9% into your pension)
- Life Assurance coverof 4-time death in service benefit
- Enhanced sick leave
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programmewith free and confidential access to a variety of services such as 24/7telephone helplines, counselling, health and wellbeing portal, critical incident support
- Staff-led wellbeing programmewith regular events in support of mental, physical, social, and financial wellbeing
- Cycle to work scheme
REPORTS TO:
Distribution CentreManager
DIRECT REPORTS:
None
Key Responsibilities
- Sort and categorise donated books, media, and printed materials by category, condition, quality, and resale potential.
- Identify valuable, collectible, vintage, academic, rare, or specialist books for online sales or specialist retail channels.
- Prepare stock for distribution to Oxfam shops, bookshops, online sales, or recycling streams.
- Maintain accurate categorisation and stock handling standards.
- Process incoming donations from multiple streams including postal donations, book banks, shop transfers, and corporate donations.
- Ensure stock is packed, labelled, and prepared efficiently for onward distribution.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation, and stock rotation within the sorting area.
- Work to agreed productivity and quality targets set by the Distribution Centre Manager.
- Assist with stock reporting and inventory processes where required.
- Support loading and unloading of deliveries and donations when necessary.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, retail teams, and eCommerce teams.
- Contribute ideas and improvements to maximise reuse and income generation.
- Follow all health & safety, manual handling, and operational procedures.
- Carry out additional duties within the scope of the role as required.
Person Specification
Essential Skills
- Previous experience in a book shop, book stock handling, library, charity, or book-related environment.
- Ability to identify quality and condition across a wide range of book categories.
- Interest in books, media, literature, or second-hand retail.
- Comfortable undertaking physical work including lifting, moving boxes, and prolonged standing.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Basic IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office and stock systems.
- Good time management and ability to work to targets.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in second-hand bookselling, charity retail, libraries, publishing, or recycling operations.
- Knowledge of book genres, authors, ISBN systems, collectible editions, or online resale platforms.
- Experience identifying vintage, rare, or high-value books.
- Experience working with volunteers or supporting team training.
- Interest in sustainability, circular economy, or reuse initiatives.
What We Offer
- Meaningful work supporting people and planet
- Training and development opportunities
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Opportunity to develop specialist skills in book sorting and reuse operations
- Experience within one of Irelands leading charity retail organisations
Other Requirements
- Flexibility to support wider Oxfam Ireland operations when required across NI & ROI.
- Willingness to attend training or meetings at other locations as required.
- Adherence to all Oxfam Ireland policies including safeguarding, health & safety, confidentiality, and equality policies.
Additional Information
Key Attributes
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
- Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender / gender mainstreaming, womens rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
- Commitment to Oxfams safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.
Organisational Values
- Accountability –We take responsibility for our actions and are committed to delivering meaningful impact.
- Empowerment –We support people to create positive change for themselves and their communities.
- Inclusiveness –We value diversity and believe everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Statement on Confidentiality
It is crucial that when encountering sensitive and/or confidential information it is maintained in strictest confidence, within the context of Oxfam Irelands policies and procedures. Failure to do so may be viewed as gross misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary procedure.
Equal Opportunities
Oxfam is an Equal Opportunities employer. We aim to ensure that no staff suffer discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religious belief, political opinion, social class or caste, sexual orientation, HIV & AIDS status, marital status or family situation; gender, age or disability. Oxfam requires all staff to apply an equal opportunities approach and this responsibility rests with all employees and the organisation.
To apply, please click on the APPLY button below to forward an up to date CV
Closing date: Tuesday 4th August2026 at 10am
Skills:Book Sorting Specialist
WHJS1_NI
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