At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying team in driving commercial performance and enhancing customer experience.
- Company: Join Harrods, a prestigious luxury retail destination with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career growth opportunities, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping trends in luxury retail.
- Qualifications: Passion for fashion, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and individuality in a collaborative workplace.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Overview
Our Buying teams are seeking detail-oriented, highly motivated Buying Assistants to support our Fashion, Home, Fine Watches, and Jewellery categories at Harrods.
We\’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent to join our team. Please note – this advert is also part of our ongoing efforts to build a strong talent pool for future opportunities. By applying, you may be considered for upcoming roles that match your skills and experience.
About the Role
This role is perfect for someone with a keen eye for trends, a strong analytical mindset, and a desire to contribute to the success of a prestigious luxury retail business.
In this role you will be responsible for supporting the Buying team, helping to drive commercial performance and enhance the customer experience. You will work across multiple channels, including in-store, online, and regional locations, assisting with product selection, trend analysis, order management, and stakeholder collaboration.
Other responsibilities will include:
- Assist in creating seasonal Look Books, showcasing key trends and product selections.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform buying decisions.
- Support the Buyer and Assistant Buyer in selecting and quantifying product orders.
- Work closely with the Retail, Visual Merchandising, and Online Trading teams to ensure seamless product launches and displays.
- Manage order confirmations, vendor data, and purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Provide weekly trade reports and sell-through analysis to assess brand and product performance.
- Assist with marketing submissions, including magazine and social media features.
- Collaborate with internal teams to maintain pricing accuracy and resolve invoice discrepancies.
Depending on your role, you may be fully on-site or have a mix of on-site and home working – this is what we refer to as ‘Hybrid’. Our hybrid working policy allows colleagues to work from home for part of the week, with a minimum of three days on-site, depending on business needs.
Please see our Hybrid@Harrods policy on our Career Site for more information or speak to a member of our Talent Acquisition team if you have any questions regarding the requirements for this role.
About You
You will be a highly motivated individual with a passion for Buying, the luxury retail industry and someone who keeps a keen eye on emerging trends. You’ll also have strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment, ensuring seamless support for the Buying team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you will be engaging with both internal teams and external brand partners to drive commercial success.
You will also have:
- High attention to detail and strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SAP (preferred).
- A proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Previous experience in a buying, merchandising, or administrative role within retail is a plus.
About Us
Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and we’re becoming a destination for top designers, and the most sought-after brands from around the globe. Our combined mission is to make visiting our iconic Knightsbridge store one of the world’s most inspiring shopping experiences.
Our Promise to You
Help us make the impossible possible for our customers and we’ll do something remarkable for you. As well as offering a friendly environment to inspire your best work, we provide abundant opportunities and support to build an exceptional career across the varied specialisms of our business.
Uniquely You
Whilst our job adverts outline the ideal qualities, skills, and prior experience for the role, we believe in the potential for growth and value individual strengths. If you can demonstrate the majority of skills and strong experience to thrive in this role, we would encourage you to apply.
At Harrods we believe the personality and authenticity of our people sets us apart. We celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes, and experiences and are proud of our culture where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.
If you want to know more about our people and our culture, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, Facebook or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods
Additional Information
Time Type: Permanent
Department: Buying (Simon Longland)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Buying Assistant employer: Harrods Careers
Contact Detail:
Harrods Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and trends in the luxury retail space. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience in buying or merchandising.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Harrods and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion: When writing your application, let your love for fashion and the luxury retail industry shine through. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your keen eye for trends and how you keep up with the latest styles.
Be Detail-Oriented: Since this role requires a high attention to detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Highlight any previous roles where you’ve had to manage data or conduct analysis, showcasing your strong numerical skills.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the Buying Assistant role at Harrods.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for both current and future opportunities. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrods Careers
✨Know Your Trends
As a Buying Assistant, having a keen eye for trends is crucial. Before your interview, research current fashion trends and be ready to discuss how they could influence buying decisions. This shows your passion for the industry and your analytical mindset.
✨Master the Numbers
Strong numerical skills are essential for this role. Brush up on your Excel skills and be prepared to talk about how you've used data in previous roles. You might even want to bring examples of trade reports or sell-through analyses you've worked on.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
The ability to multi-task effectively is key in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects or tasks simultaneously, and be ready to share these during your interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is vital when collaborating with internal teams and external brand partners. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you handle conflicts or discrepancies. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and proactive mindset.