At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and launch exciting product ranges for global markets in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join Harding+, the world's leading cruise retailer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, annual bonuses, hybrid working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make your mark in global retail and see your products on ships worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer with a flair for product development and supplier relationships.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Ready to take your buying career beyond the high street? At Harding+, your ranges could launch onboard ships sailing through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska or Northern Europe, seen by millions of guests from all over the world.
Global Travel Retail is one of the most exciting and fast-moving spaces in retail. Trends shift by destination, customer profiles constantly evolve, and product needs to feel commercially right across multiple regions and experiences. We're looking for a Buyer who wants to be part of that. Someone excited by product development, global sourcing and the opportunity to build commercially successful own brand ranges within a retail environment that's anything but ordinary.
What you'll be doing:
- Developing commercially successful own brand and branded ranges across global markets
- Managing private label collections from concept through to launch and delivery
- Working directly with factories and suppliers across the Far East and India
- Identifying trends, opportunities and product innovation
- Negotiating costs, trading terms and supplier support
- Collaborating closely with Merchandising, Marketing, Operations and VM teams
- Managing critical paths and ensuring launches land on time
- Attending trade shows and supplier meetings to source new products and inspiration
The kind of person we're looking for:
You'll already be operating at Junior Buyer or Buyer level within a retail environment and have experience developing own brand/private label product ranges end-to-end. You'll be comfortable managing sourcing, costing and product development directly with factories and vendors, ideally across Asia and/or India. A strong creative eye is essential, alongside solid commercial awareness and confidence building supplier relationships. Experience outside of purely clothing-led categories would work particularly well here… accessories, handbags, gifting, lifestyle or similar product areas are highly relevant.
Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys pace, embraces change and likes being part of a collaborative, hands-on team.
Why Harding+?
Harding+ is the world's leading cruise retailer, operating across 80+ ships globally and creating retail experiences for millions of guests travelling worldwide. For Buyers, it's an opportunity to work in a uniquely exciting retail environment: Combining global markets, fast-moving product development and the chance to see your ranges come to life onboard ships all over the world.
Our Benefits:
- Annual bonus scheme
- Company pension
- Medical Cashback Plan
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days annual leave
- Hybrid working
- Career development opportunities
Buyer - Accessories in Bath employer: Harding Retail
At Harding+, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic employer that offers an exhilarating work environment for Buyers in the accessories sector. With the unique opportunity to develop product ranges seen by millions of guests across the globe, our collaborative culture fosters creativity and innovation while providing robust career development opportunities. Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including hybrid working, generous annual leave, and a supportive team atmosphere that embraces change and encourages personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Accessories in Bath
✨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 Harding Retail, 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 Harding Retail!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Accessories in Bath
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 Harding Retail, 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 Harding Retail 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 Harding Retail that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harding Retail
✨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!
