At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the retail team with buying and merchandising tasks in a vibrant cultural setting.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Opera House, a leader in arts and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that inspires imagination and brings extraordinary experiences to life.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail buying, strong organisational skills, and a creative flair.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 31440 - 31440 £ per year.
Permanent; Full-time
Salary: £31,440.00 per annum
Location: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
As part of our vision to expand our commercial opportunities, including product offerings within the store, the retail team have a new and exciting opportunity for a Buying and Merchandising Assistant to join us. Reporting directly into the Retail and Buying Manager (RBM), the Buying and Merchandising Assistant will be responsible for supporting across an array of administrative tasks.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Strong experience of working as a buying and merchandising assistant or administration role within a fast-paced retail environment.
- Knowledge of EPOS and inventory management systems – Shopify and Stocky or similar systems.
- Creative flair, strong eye for design and attention to detail.
- Organised, methodical and able to prioritise workload.
- Accurate data input and handling.
- Team player who collaborates and communicates effectively at all levels.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, 9th April 2026. To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Retail Buying and Merchandising Assistant - WC2E 9DD in Ashtead employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Buying and Merchandising Assistant - WC2E 9DD in Ashtead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the Royal Opera House. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to interview, bring examples of your work or ideas for merchandising. This will help us see your flair and how you can contribute to our vibrant team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! We love candidates who can think on their feet. Brush up on your knowledge of EPOS and inventory systems, and be ready to discuss how you’ve used them in past roles.
✨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 our amazing team at the Royal Opera House.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Buying and Merchandising Assistant - WC2E 9DD in Ashtead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the role entails and what skills are required. This will help us tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Show Off Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific! Highlight any relevant roles you've had in buying and merchandising or similar admin positions. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for.
Be Creative and Personal: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone and share why you're passionate about the role and the Royal Opera House. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research the Royal Opera House and its retail operations. Familiarise yourself with their product offerings and any recent initiatives they've launched. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Show Off Your Creativity
As a Buying and Merchandising Assistant, creativity is key! Prepare to discuss your design ideas or past projects that demonstrate your creative flair. Bring along a portfolio if you have one, showcasing your eye for detail and how you've contributed to merchandising in previous roles.
✨Be Organised and Methodical
The job requires strong organisational skills, so be ready to talk about how you manage your workload. Share specific examples of how you've prioritised tasks in a fast-paced environment, and mention any tools or systems you’ve used, like Shopify or Stocky, to keep everything on track.
✨Team Player Vibes
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so think of examples where you've worked effectively within a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to a positive team dynamic. This will show that you can fit into their culture and work well with others.