At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning visual displays and enhance the retail experience for customers.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant homeware retailer with a passion for beautiful living.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, and discounts at over 60 retailers.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values your input and nurtures your growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail and a flair for interior design are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are currently looking to recruit a full‑time Visual Merchandising Operative to support our Retail Team, based at our beautiful store in Guildford. Situated between the bustling high street and historic castle, our OKA store is nestled in the Tunsgate Quarter amongst a host of other luxury retailers. The large store showcases our complete collection across 11,000 sq ft with a garden area that displays our outdoor range. We know the best work is done by people who enjoy their jobs, so we create a fun and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and is able to thrive.
We are looking for an agile and proactive Visual Merchandising Operative with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this company culture. Reporting directly to the Store Manager, the Visual Merchandising Operative is responsible for providing an enhanced retail experience for OKA customers through the provision of stock replenishment and ensuring product availability to support visual standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Visual Merchandising & Store Presentation
- Maintain consistently high visual merchandising standards and stock levels in line with OKA brand guidelines
- Maintain seasonal room sets, product displays, and window updates within the Guildford flagship store
- Support VM installations, range launches, and visual refreshes across all three floors of the showroom
- Create and maintain visual stories that inspire customers and support commercial performance
- Carry out small DIY projects, including installing mirrors, wall art, curtains, and fixtures
- Safely move and handle large furniture as part of display changes
- Maintain a clean, well‑presented, and visually compelling shop floor at all times
- Operational
- Coordinate deliveries, including documentation, directing deliveries, and supporting the team with unloading, replenishment, Click & Collect, stock takes, and seasonal changes
- Guide team members on stock placement, ensuring procedures are followed and discrepancies are reported, investigated, and resolved
- Maintain stockroom organisation and presentation, ensuring consistent tidiness
- Support stock management processes, including cycle counts and housekeeping, to maintain accurate inventory levels
- Support sales and stock recalls for the wider business
- Manage faulty or unticketed stock in line with company procedures
- Pick stock for shop floor replenishment and maintain commercially presented bays
- Provide feedback on stock‑related issues that arise in store
- Deliver inventory training to the store team
- Maintain stock levels and manage replenishment, including procurement of consumables (e.g. swatches, bags, paper)
- Assist with end‑of‑sale processes, including packing and returning stock to the warehouse in line with operational standards
- Work closely with the Store Manager and Assistant Store Manager to communicate visual guidelines clearly and support the team in maintaining standards day‑to‑day
- Monitor and proactively address presentation issues on the shop floor
- Work closely with store management and operations to resolve delivery errors and process issues
- Collaborate with store management to identify and manage faulty stock in line with company procedures
- Support customer interaction on the shop floor when required, contributing to an elevated customer experience
- Promote OKA’s Interior Design services through thoughtful visual placement and storytelling
- Experienced retail professional
- Natural flair for interior design, styling, and store merchandising
- Experience and enthusiasm for high‑end retail environments
- Extensive selling skills and the ability to motivate others
- Flexible approach to working hours as the sector demands
- Tenacious, hardworking and reliable
- A creative, problem‑solving spirit
- Passion for the OKA brand
- 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), pro rata, plus Length of Service increases
- Day off for your birthday
- Health Cash Plan
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme
- Discounts on 60+ UK retailers via My OKA benefits platform
- Plus a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more
If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast‑paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.
Visual Merchandising Operative in Guildford employer: OKA
At OKA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that fosters creativity and personal growth. Our Guildford store, located in a prime area surrounded by luxury retailers, provides a unique opportunity for Visual Merchandising Operatives to thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and a range of employee perks. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to inspiring customers and creating beautiful spaces.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visual Merchandising Operative in Guildford
✨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 OKA, 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 OKA!
We think you need these skills to ace Visual Merchandising Operative in Guildford
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 OKA, 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 OKA 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 OKA that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA
✨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!
