Jobs and Careers Autumn 2019 - 222

options are to join an apprenticeship scheme or to join as a graduate
trainee. Many big retailers offer graduate training schemes and the
requirements can be less stringent than in other industries - some
companies will accept 2:2 degrees rather than a 2:1. A degree in business
management or marketing is a bonus, but a passion for retail, leadership
skills, creative thinking and organisational prowess are also important.
The rise in online sales has seen a growing demand for graduates
with other skills, like the ability to produce apps or knowledge of
supply-chain management and logistics. Retail is an industry of all
the talents, whether you're keen to interact with the public directly or
to get creative about marketing and delivering products to people.

What qualifications do I need?
Most positions don't require
formal qualifications, but good
communication skills are key.
How much can I earn? Salaries start
around the national living wage (£8.21
an hour for over-25s from April 2019)
and increase with experience. You may
also earn commission and bonuses,
and receive employee discounts.

Sales adviser

Product development means overseeing
the conception, creation and packaging of
new products, while designers generate
ideas for products and marketing, including
point-of-sale (POS) displays in stores.
What qualifications do I need? Both
require degrees: in marketing, business for
developers and in art-based subjects such
as graphic design or fashion for designers.
How much can I earn? Salaries
start around £23,000 for designers,
while developers start on £32,000.

Working as a sales adviser - which can mean anything from
operating a till to offering expertise to customers - will give you
valuable skills and experience. Many roles are part-time.

Product designer/developer

Buyer/merchandiser
A buyer sources goods, following trends
and analysing buying habits, while a
merchandiser does the practical side of
things, calculating how many units will
be sold in a store and for how long.
What qualifications do I need?
Applicants often have business or
retail qualifications, although it is
possible to work your way up.
How much can I earn? Junior buyer
roles start at £18,000, rising as high
as £70,000. In merchandising, salaries
range from £16,000 to £60,000.

"There's something for everyone"
Anthony Judd is buying and merchandise director at T.M.Lewin
"I chose to work for
T.M.Lewin because I saw
a company with great
potential. The clothing
brand is underpinned by
strong values, including a real passion for
its product, and there is a tight, dynamic
team here that works through problems
quickly and realises opportunities.
"As buying and merchandise director,
I lead the product teams and am
responsible for everything and anything
to do with product around the business,
from new and exciting innovations,

222 /// JOBS & CAREERS

the ranges available in store, pricing,
where our product is made and how
it is packaged, among other things!
"T.M.Lewin provides great learning
opportunies - there's something for
everyone, from developing leadership
capabilities to the fun lunch-and-learn
sessions. The business is keen to encourage
all its employees to 'BE Brilliant'.
"The current retail environment is
challenging, but we have some of the
best people here who together work
on strategies and tactics that help
to drive the business forward."

Customer services assistant
Dealing with customers isn't just for
shop staff - the public also get in touch

Retail is an industry
of all the talents,
whether you're keen
to interact with
the public directly
or to get creative
about marketing
and delivery
Jobs and Careers Autumn 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Autumn 2019
