At a Glance
- Tasks: Travel to stores, sell and merchandise our brands while supporting the Produce Department.
- Company: Join a diverse team at Affinity Group, committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible schedule, hands-on experience, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with daily challenges and rewards.
- Why this job: Make an impact in retail while developing valuable skills in merchandising.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
The primary responsibility for this position is to create and sustain an operating environment where Affinity and trading partner merchandising objectives are achieved with reliability and confidence. This position requires daily travel to store/venue locations to sell and merchandise our brands/products and provide support to the Produce Department. This position plays a key role in maintaining effective product in-stock conditions, product rotation, placement of point-of-sales materials that drive opportunistic sales, clear and timely reporting/documentation of merchandising activities and achievements, and reliable execution of clients in-store merchandising objectives.
Essential Functions:
- Represent Affinity Group in an ethical and professional manner.
- Daily travel to retail locations.
- Effectively sell and merchandise our brands products through:
- Develop, support, train, and implement merchandising directives as directed.
- Develop and maintain excellent relationships with the department staff and store managers.
- Provide on-going feedback of store level performance.
- Handle store complaints/challenges as they arise.
- Monitor and report competitor activity at store level.
- Manage the effective integration and utilization of Affinity technology systems and platforms.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- No Produce or Merchandising Experience Required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Flexible and able to manage adversity.
- Strong communication and influence skills.
- Problem solving skills.
- Basic technology skills communicating through mobile devices – email, photos, text messaging.
- Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit and committed to being the best.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
- Ability to lift 30lbs to shoulder height unassisted.
- Floor stock rotations of refrigerated and frozen food items in cooler and freezer cases.
- Inspection and moving of product in cooler and freezer and storage areas.
- A flexible work schedule is required (some evening and weekend work).
- Reliable transportation for daily visits to store/venue locations.
The Affinity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Produce Merchandising Specialist in York employer: Affinity Group
As a Senior Client Administrator at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. We offer comprehensive training and mentoring opportunities to help you develop your skills while working alongside a supportive team in a vibrant location. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our flexible working arrangements and a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Produce Merchandising Specialist in York
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Affinity Group, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Affinity Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Produce Merchandising Specialist in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Affinity Group, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Affinity Group and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Affinity Group that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Group
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
