At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse stock and sales data to influence merchandising decisions on a global scale.
- Company: Join Harding+, a leader in innovative onboard cruise retailing.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 26 days holiday, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team redefining retail at sea with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced retail environment while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: A keen eye for detail, strong communication skills, and a passion for data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Have you ever thought about what it takes to keep a global retail operation running smoothly across multiple ships, destinations, and constantly moving stock? At Harding+, this isn’t just merchandising. It’s about making the right decisions, at the right time, that directly influence sales, stock flow, and the success of our retail spaces at sea.
If you’re someone who enjoys working with data but wants to see the outcome of your decisions in action, this is where things get interesting. This Merchandising Assistant position sits within our Giftware category.
What you’ll be part of:
- You’ll be at the centre of our Merchandising operation, turning insight into action.
- Every day you’ll be analysing stock and sales data to make smart, commercial decisions - ensuring the right products land on the right ships, in the right quantities at exactly the right time.
- Your work won’t just sit in a spreadsheet, it will help shape performance across our global fleet.
- Building strong relationships across the business will be at the core of your everyday life, working closely with our Buying teams, Area Managers and Shipboard colleagues to solve problems, spot opportunities and keep everything moving seamlessly.
Why this role stands out:
- This isn’t your typical “back office” merchandising role.
- You’ll be influencing commercial decisions that drive real revenue.
- Managing stock across a global, fast-moving retail environment.
- Seeing the direct impact of your work play out in real time.
- Building a skillset that blends analytics, logistics and commercial thinking.
If you’re looking for a role where you can develop quickly, take on real responsibility and genuinely make an impact - this is it.
What you’ll bring:
- You don’t need to have done this exact role before - what matters most is the mindset that you bring.
- You may naturally enjoy analysing data and identifying patterns, have a keen eye for detail and a drive for accuracy and feel comfortable managing multiple priorities at once.
- You will be a confident communicator, one who has proven experience building strong relationships across teams.
- Whilst experience in retail, merchandising or supply chain is beneficial, your curiosity, motivation and willingness to learn are just as important.
What you’ll get:
- Hybrid working (Head Office based in Avonmouth, Bristol, 2 days minimum in office per week).
- Competitive salary & bonus potential.
- 26 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Healthcare, pension & life assurance.
- The opportunity to be part of a business that’s redefining retail at sea.
About us:
Harding+ is leading the way in innovative onboard cruise retailing, working closely with our cruise line partners and brand partners to ‘make every cruise better’. We stay at the forefront of retailing and consistently provide outstanding customer service, culminating in winning the Cruise Retailer of the Year award for 2022, 2023 & 2025.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We value your passion to discover, invent, simplify, and build. Protecting your privacy and the security of your data is a longstanding top priority for Harding+.
Merchandising Assistant - Giftware in Bristol employer: Harding Retail
At Harding, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Avonmouth. As a Personal Assistant to our Executive Leadership Team, you'll enjoy the opportunity to contribute to a global business while benefiting from a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on employee development, you'll find meaningful opportunities to enhance your skills and make a significant impact within our award-winning team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Assistant - Giftware in Bristol
✨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 Merchandising Assistant - Giftware in Bristol
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!
