Merchandiser

Merchandiser - Retail Trading & WSSI Ownership - Avonmouth (Hybrid) - 12-Month FTC

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

Lead Trading and Commercial Performance in Global Cruise Retail

At Harding+, our Merchandisers shape retail performance across a truly global cruise business. Operating across multiple cruise lines and international markets, we manage complex stock flows, seasonal trading cycles and supplier relationships that demand precision, pace and strong commercial judgement.

We are seeking an experienced Merchandiser to join our Buying and Merchandising team in Avonmouth. This is a high-accountability role where you will take full ownership of category planning, trading performance and stock investment decisions within a fast-moving international retail environment.

This is a hybrid role, based at our Avonmouth head office two days per week (typically Tuesday and Wednesday, with some flexibility depending on the clothing team’s requirements).

Own the Plan. Drive the Trade. Protect the Profit

As Merchandiser, you will own your category WSSI and Open to Buy, ensuring performance aligns with budget, margin targets and growth plans. You will be accountable for delivering category financial KPIs through disciplined forecasting, stock control and proactive risk management. You will lead weekly and seasonal trade reviews, identifying risks early and responding decisively to protect availability, margin and overall profitability. Your forecasting and intake decisions will directly influence sales performance across our global fleet. In travel retail, timing is critical. Stock must arrive at port on schedule, replenishment decisions must account for ship deployment and peak trading windows, and investment must be carefully balanced against exposure. You will work closely with Buying, Assistant Merchandisers, Operations, Warehouse teams and vendors to ensure that stock flow supports both commercial ambition and operational reality. This role requires confident commercial ownership. You will challenge option counts where necessary, influence phasing decisions, and use data to shape buying strategy. Rather than simply reporting numbers, you will interpret them, interrogate them and act on them.

Lead Conversations And Develop Others

As a category owner, you will contribute to broader supplier planning discussions and joint business reviews. You will provide clarity and direction to Assistant Merchandisers and Merchandising Assistants, supporting their development while maintaining strong trading discipline across the team. Your influence will be visible. Your decisions will have 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 judgement. You are confident influencing Buying teams and presenting clear recommendations backed by data. Most importantly, 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.