Merchandiser

Overview

• Location: Avonmouth, Bristol (Hybrid - 2 days in office, typically Tuesday and Wednesday).
• Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
• Start Date: 1 June 2026
• Salary: Competitive + bonus + benefits

Responsibilities

• Lead Trading and Commercial Performance in Global Cruise Retail. Shape retail performance across a global cruise business, managing stock flows, seasonal trading cycles and supplier relationships with precision, pace and strong commercial judgement.
• Own the Plan. Own category WSSI and Open to Buy, ensure performance aligns with budget, margin targets and growth plans. Lead weekly and seasonal trade reviews, identify risks early and respond to protect availability, margin and profitability.
• Forecasting and Stock Management. Direct forecasting and intake decisions to influence sales across the global fleet. Manage stock arrival timing, replenishment around ship deployment and peak trading windows, and balance investment against exposure.
• Cross-functional Collaboration. Work with Buying, Assistant Merchandisers, Operations, Warehouse teams and vendors to ensure stock flow supports commercial ambition and operational reality.
• Commercial Ownership. Challenge option counts, influence phasing decisions, use data to shape buying strategy, interpret and act on numbers rather than only reporting them.

Leadership and People

• Lead Conversations and Develop Others. Contribute to supplier planning discussions and joint business reviews. Provide clarity and direction to Assistant Merchandisers and Merchandising Assistants, supporting development while maintaining trading discipline. Influence will be visible with global impact.

About You

• You are an experienced Merchandiser, or a strong Senior Assistant Merchandiser ready to step up, with demonstrable experience owning WSSI and OTB at category level.
• You are comfortable leading trade reviews, managing stock risk, and making commercially sound decisions in fast-paced retail environments. You balance analytical rigour with practical judgment. You are confident influencing Buying teams and presenting clear recommendations backed by data. You take ownership and accountability for performance.
• Experience in fashion, lifestyle or own-brand retail environments will be advantageous.
• Exposure to complex supply chains or highly seasonal trading environments will be particularly valuable.

What You Will Gain

• You will join a supportive and ambitious global retail business headquartered in Avonmouth, Bristol. We offer:
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Company pension.
• Healthcare provision.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional five days.
• Exposure to international retail operations and global trading performance.
• The opportunity to lead category-level commercial decisions within a unique retail model.

About Harding+

Harding+ is the world's only dedicated cruise retailer, partnering with leading global cruise lines and operating retail shops across ships worldwide. With millions of transactions annually and a growing international footprint, we continue to shape the future of onboard retail.

We are committed to building diverse teams and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and able to thrive.

If you are ready to take ownership of trading performance and lead category planning in a truly global retail environment, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help drive retail success worldwide.