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 personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that inspires and engages audiences worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail buying or administration, with a flair for design.
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 Hale employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Opera House is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in creativity and collaboration at the heart of London's Covent Garden. Employees benefit from a commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth within one of the UK's leading arts organisations. With a focus on inspiring imagination and igniting emotion, working here means being part of a team that makes a meaningful impact on audiences both locally and globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Buying and Merchandising Assistant - WC2E 9DD in Hale
✨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 you stand out and show that you’re not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the unexpected! Research common interview questions for buying and merchandising roles, but also be ready for some curveballs. Flexibility and quick thinking are key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Royal Opera House team. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Buying and Merchandising Assistant - WC2E 9DD in Hale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Buying and Merchandising Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience matches our needs!
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your creative flair and attention to detail! Use your application to showcase your relevant skills, especially if you've worked with EPOS or inventory management systems like Shopify. Don't be shy about sharing your achievements!
Be Organised and Methodical:Since this role involves a lot of administrative tasks, it's important to demonstrate your organisational skills. In your application, mention any experiences where you successfully managed multiple priorities or handled data accurately.
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 helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the Royal Opera House and its mission. Understand their retail environment and how your role as a Buying and Merchandising Assistant fits into their vision. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Since they’re looking for someone with a strong eye for design, prepare to discuss examples of your creative work. Bring along a portfolio or examples of merchandising displays you've worked on. This will demonstrate your flair and attention to detail, which are key for this role.
✨Be Organised and Methodical
Highlight your organisational skills during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment. You might even want to share specific tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially if you have experience with inventory management systems like Shopify or Stocky.
✨Team Player Vibes
The Royal Opera House values collaboration, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams. Share examples of how you’ve communicated effectively with colleagues at all levels and contributed to team success. This will show that you can thrive in their inclusive environment.
