At a Glance
- Tasks: Support trading, forecasting, and inventory management in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join Harding+, the world's only dedicated cruise retailer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, healthcare, and 26 days leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for international exposure and growth.
- Why this job: Develop your merchandising career while making an impact in global retail.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in merchandising or retail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Avonmouth, Bristol (Hybrid – 3 days in office, including Wednesday and Thursday)
Start Date: August 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Salary: Competitive + bonus + benefits
Develop Your Merchandising Career in Global Retail
At Harding+, our Merchandising team plays a critical role in driving retail performance across a unique global cruise operation. Through forecasting, stock management, trade analysis and Open to Buy (OTB) planning, our Assistant Merchandisers help ensure the right product reaches the right ships at the right time.
We are looking for an ambitious Assistant Merchandiser to join our Logo category team on a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Avonmouth, Bristol. This is an exciting opportunity for an existing Assistant Merchandiser, or an experienced Merchandising Assistant ready for the next step, to develop within a fast-paced and commercially driven international retail business.
Support Trading, Forecasting and Commercial Performance
As Assistant Merchandiser, you will support the Senior Merchandiser and Buying teams in maximising commercial opportunities through effective inventory management, forecasting and stock planning. You will support weekly trade reporting across your designated category, analysing sales, stock, profit and markdown performance against budget and prior year. Your insights will help inform replenishment, stock flow and wider trading decisions.
Working closely with Buying, Merchandising Assistants, Operations, Warehouse teams, Vendors, you will help manage inventory levels, allocations and replenishment to ships, ensuring strong product availability whilst minimising risk and protecting profit. You will also contribute to forecasting and seasonal planning, support OTB management and help optimise ranges alongside the wider Buying and Merchandising team. This is a highly analytical and commercially focused role requiring strong planning capability, sound judgement and confidence in turning trading performance into meaningful action.
Gain Exposure in a Unique International Retail Environment
Harding+ operates across multiple cruise lines, supplier partners and highly seasonal trading cycles, creating a fast-paced environment unlike traditional retail. As part of the Logo category team, you will gain exposure to supplier planning, trade performance and category strategy. You may join vendor meetings alongside the Buyer and Senior Merchandiser and, where appropriate, have the opportunity to conduct ship visits to review stock packages and identify sales opportunities.
You will work in a hybrid model, spending three days per week in our Avonmouth office, with core collaboration days on Wednesday and Thursday, alongside one additional in-office day to suit team and business needs.
About You
You may already be an Assistant Merchandiser or an experienced Merchandising Assistant looking for the next step in your career. You will have strong analytical capability and an understanding of forecasting, stock management and trading performance. You are organised, commercially curious and comfortable using data to support decisions and identify opportunities. You are proactive, collaborative and confident communicating with a variety of stakeholders. Most importantly, you enjoy problem-solving, thrive in a fast-paced environment and are eager to continue developing your merchandising career.
Experience within retail merchandising, fashion, lifestyle or branded product environments would be advantageous, however your commercial mindset, attention to detail and desire to learn are what matter most.
What You Will Gain
You will join a supportive and ambitious global retail business headquartered in Avonmouth, Bristol. We offer:
- Annual bonus scheme
- Company pension
- Healthcare provision
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional five days
- Exposure to international retail operations and trading performance
- The opportunity to develop your merchandising experience within a fast-paced, highly commercial environment
About Harding+
Harding+ is the world’s only dedicated cruise retailer, partnering with leading global cruise lines and operating retail shops across ships worldwide. We are committed to building diverse teams and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to thrive. If you are looking to develop your merchandising career within a unique international retail business and enjoy turning data into commercial action, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and take the next step in your merchandising career with Harding+.
Assistant Merchandiser - Logo in Bristol employer: Harding Retail
At Harding+, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the global retail sector. Our Avonmouth location provides a unique opportunity to engage with international operations while enjoying a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including an annual bonus scheme and healthcare provision. We are dedicated to employee growth, providing exposure to diverse merchandising experiences and the chance to thrive in a fast-paced environment where your insights directly impact commercial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - Logo in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at Harding+. A quick chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for merchandising! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commercial mindset and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. We appreciate candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser - Logo in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Assistant Merchandiser role. Highlight any relevant merchandising experience, especially in stock management and forecasting, to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about merchandising and how your analytical skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is highly analytical, make sure to include any experiences where you've used data to drive decisions or improve performance. We want to see how you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harding Retail
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions. Prepare examples of how you’ve managed stock levels or forecasted sales.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Harding+ and its unique position in the cruise retail market. Research their product offerings and recent trading performance. Showing that you understand their business model will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific merchandising challenges. Think about scenarios involving stock management or trade analysis, and prepare structured responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and commercial mindset.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders to achieve common goals.
