Temporary Merchandiser - Sourcing, Quality & Compliance
Location: London (Holloway Road head office) or Manchester (print and operations facility), working across both sites
Salary: £45,000-£55,000 per year pro rata, depending on experience, plus benefits
Contract: Full-time, temporary (3-month fixed-term contract with possible extension)
Closing date: 27 November 2026
Who we are
We make the gifts, stationery and souvenirs people take home to remember a great day out. Our products sit in the shops and websites of leading heritage, cultural and retail partners, and every one of them has to be beautifully made, safe and worth the money.
We're growing fast, and we're looking for someone to join us for three months and take charge of how our products are sourced, made, checked and kept compliant.
Why this role is different
This isn't a job where you hand off to the quality team or wait for compliance to sign things off. You are the quality team, and you're the one who knows the rules. You'll find the factories, negotiate the deals, set the standards and make sure everything that leaves the factory is right.
It's a hands-on role with real autonomy and a clear 3-month remit: put the right standards, checks and records in place, and hand over a system we can keep using. You'll see the results on shop shelves at some of the country's best-loved attractions.
What success looks like in 3 months
- A quality standard and inspection checklist agreed with each of our main factories.
- Up-to-date test reports and technical files for our current range / priority products, ready for UK and EU (GPSR) requirements.
- A simple handover pack, so the processes you set up keep running after you leave.
What you'll be doing
Finding and growing great suppliers
- Scout, assess and approve new factories.
- Strengthen relationships with our existing suppliers, and track every supplier on quality, cost, delivery and compliance.
Buying smart
- Negotiate prices, minimum order quantities and payment terms.
- Calculate and manage landed costs to protect our margins on every order.
Bringing products to life
- Work with our design and sales teams to turn ideas into clear product specifications.
- Manage samples, pre-production approvals and final sign-off.
Keeping products safe and compliant
- Identify the safety and compliance requirements for each product and market, including UK rules and the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR).
- Coordinate testing laboratories and keep test reports and technical files up to date.
- Stay ahead of changes in product safety rules and make sure our processes keep pace.
Setting the standard (quality assurance)
- Agree clear quality standards with each factory before production starts.
- Set up practical QA processes, checklists and supplier quality manuals.
Catching problems early (quality control)
- Arrange and review inspections during production and before goods ship.
- Make sure defects are fixed at the factory, not discovered in our warehouse, and follow through on corrective actions.
Getting it here on time
- Manage production and shipping schedules from order to delivery.
- Spot risks early and act fast to keep orders on track.
Keeping everyone in the loop
- Keep accurate supplier, product and compliance records.
- Juggle several projects at once and keep colleagues and customers informed.
What you'll bring
Essential
- At least 3 years' experience in sourcing, buying, merchandising or product compliance, including sourcing direct from Asian factories.
- Hands-on experience of factory management, quality control and product testing.
- A working knowledge of UK and EU product safety requirements.
- Sharp negotiation skills and a good head for costs and margins.
- Excellent organisation, with the ability to keep several projects moving at once.
- Confident, clear communication with suppliers, colleagues and customers.
- A self-starter who enjoys building things from scratch.
- Happy to travel between our London and Manchester sites.
It's a bonus if you have
- Experience in giftware, stationery, drinkware or promotional merchandise.
- A CIPS qualification, or you are working towards one.
- Experience with testing standards for products like ours, such as toys, ceramics, textiles or food-contact items.
- Spoken Mandarin, at a fluent or conversational level.
Temporary Merchandiser in London employer: Equals One Careers
As a leading building services provider in Thetford, we pride ourselves on offering a supportive work environment where our Plumbers can thrive. With competitive pay, a company van, and a strong focus on employee development, we ensure our team members enjoy a fulfilling career while contributing to meaningful projects that restore homes and support families in need. Join us for a long-term opportunity in a growing business that values quality workmanship and exceptional customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Merchandiser in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Equals One Careers:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Equals One Careers! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Equals One Careers
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Equals One Careers offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Equals One Careers and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
