At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying team with product selection, trend analysis, and order management.
- Company: Join Harrods, a prestigious luxury department store known for top designers and brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 22 days’ holiday, birthday off, and up to 33% in-store discount.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving commercial success in a fast-paced fashion environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for fashion, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office; retail experience is a plus.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; we celebrate diversity and encourage unique applicants.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Our Fashion teams are now looking for a detail-oriented and highly motivated Buying Assistant to join them on a fixed term or permanent basis here at Harrods. This role is perfect for someone with a keen eye for trends, a strong analytical mindset, and a desire to contribute to the success of a prestigious luxury retail business.
About The Role
In this role you will be responsible for supporting the Buying team, helping to drive commercial performance and enhance the customer experience. You will work across multiple channels, including in-store, online, and regional locations, assisting with product selection, trend analysis, order management, and stakeholder collaboration.
Other responsibilities will include:
- Assist in creating seasonal Look Books, showcasing key trends and product selections.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform buying decisions.
- Support the Buyer and Assistant Buyer in selecting and quantifying product orders.
- Work closely with the Retail, Visual Merchandising, and Online Trading teams to ensure seamless product launches and displays.
- Manage order confirmations, vendor data, and purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Provide weekly trade reports and sell-through analysis to assess brand and product performance.
- Assist with marketing submissions, including magazine and social media features.
- Collaborate with internal teams to maintain pricing accuracy and resolve invoice discrepancies.
Depending on your role, you may be fully on-site or have a mix of on-site and home working – this is what we refer to as ‘Hybrid’. Our hybrid working policy allows colleagues to work from home for part of the week, with a minimum of three days on-site, depending on business needs.
About You
You will be a highly motivated individual with a passion for fashion, the luxury retail industry and someone who keeps a keen eye on emerging trends. You’ll also have strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment, ensuring seamless support for the Buying team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you will be engaging with both internal teams and external brand partners to drive commercial success.
You will also have:
- High attention to detail and strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SAP (preferred).
- A proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Previous experience in a buying, merchandising, or administrative role within retail is a plus.
About Us
Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and we’re becoming a destination for top designers, and the most sought-after brands from around the globe. Our combined mission is to make visiting our iconic Knightsbridge store one of the world’s most inspiring shopping experiences.
Our Promise to You
Help us make the impossible possible for our customers and we’ll do something remarkable for you. As well as offering a friendly environment to inspire your best work, we provide abundant opportunities and support to build an exceptional career across the varied specialisms of our business.
In return you’ll receive an excellent benefits package, including a company pension, flexible working, 22 days’ holiday, and your birthday off, up to 33% in-store discount (including across our food hall and restaurants) and a season ticket loan.
Uniquely You
Whilst our job adverts outline the ideal qualities, skills, and prior experience for the role, we believe in the potential for growth and value individual strengths. If you can demonstrate the majority of skills and strong experience to thrive in this role, we would encourage you to apply.
At Harrods we believe the personality and authenticity of our people sets us apart. We celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes, and experiences and are proud of our culture where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.
Contact Detail:
Harrods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest fashion trends and luxury brands. Follow industry news, subscribe to fashion magazines, and engage with social media influencers in the fashion space to stay updated. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for fashion during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail and buying sectors. Attend fashion events, trade shows, or webinars to connect with industry insiders. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and potential job referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant software. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills, as these are crucial for data analysis and reporting in a Buying Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to buying and merchandising. Be ready to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used them in past experiences. Tailor your responses to reflect the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, merchandising, or administrative roles within retail. Emphasise your analytical skills and any proficiency with tools like Microsoft Excel and SAP.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fashion and the luxury retail industry. Mention specific trends you’ve noticed and how they could influence buying decisions at Harrods.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, clearly demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to multi-task. Provide examples of how you've successfully supported teams in fast-paced environments.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Discuss your experience working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners. Mention any specific projects where you contributed to successful product launches or marketing initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrods
✨Show Your Passion for Fashion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the fashion industry during the interview. Share examples of how you stay updated on trends and what inspires your style choices. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the brand.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and market research. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to support buying decisions or improve commercial performance.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
The Buying Assistant position involves multitasking and managing various responsibilities. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully juggled multiple tasks or projects, showcasing your ability to stay organised in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Engage with your interviewers by preparing thoughtful questions about the team, company culture, and expectations for the role. This shows your interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.