At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Ingredients Buying team and enhance customer experience at Harrods.
- Company: Join the iconic luxury department store, Harrods, in a dynamic role.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, career growth opportunities, and a friendly environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and individuality in a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping exceptional food offerings and driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of the Buying Cycle and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Join our driven Food Buying team as a Buying Assistant, where you'll play a key role in supporting our Ingredients category and helping to shape an exceptional product offering at Harrods.
About the Role
The role of the Buying Assistant is to provide comprehensive support to the Ingredients Buying team by working closely with the Assistant Buyer and Buyer to drive commercial performance and enhance the customer experience. The Buying Assistant will help to ensure the smooth running of the Buying Office, across both operational models (Restaurants & Production Kitchens).
You will also be:
- Assisting in sourcing and creation of ingredients for both models.
- Working closely with the culinary teams, food halls and restaurants to meet specific ingredient requirements.
- Conducting research on culinary trends, raw material market fluctuations and seasonal availability.
- Providing support to Buyers and Assistant Buyers with data analysis and reporting to optimise commercials.
- Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to drive a fit-for-purpose supply chain.
- Maintaining accurate records of ingredient information such as supplier details and pricing information.
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.
About You
We are looking for someone with prior knowledge of the Buying Cycle or with a relevant Buying qualification. In addition to this, you will be a great relationship builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will have a solution-based approach, with great attention to detail and expert numeracy and analytical skills. You will have an understanding of the Luxury industry and be able to keep on top of key trends, brands and launches within the Food category. You will also have an understanding of data analysis and reporting to support the day-to-day operations and improve processes within the category.
You will also have:
- Good PC literacy, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. SAP knowledge preferred.
- Excellent time-management skills and the ability and willingness to multitask.
- Effective prioritisation skills and ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
- Flexibility and readiness to adapt to changing priorities.
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 life at Harrods, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods.
Additional Information:
Time Type: Permanent
Department: Food Buying & Product Development
Buying Assistant employer: Harrods Limited
Harrods is not just a luxury department store; it's a vibrant workplace where innovation meets tradition. As an Enterprise Services Administrator, you'll thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that champions personal growth and career development, all while being part of a multi-year infrastructure transformation programme. With a commitment to making the impossible possible for our customers, we offer a unique opportunity to shape the future of our IT landscape in the heart of Knightsbridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant
✨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 Harrods Limited, 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 Harrods Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant
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 Harrods Limited, 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 Harrods Limited 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 Harrods Limited that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrods Limited
✨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!
