Non-sales staff are mainly responsible for providing backup services such as merchandising, stock-keeping, window display and business promotion, etc.
Purchasing Officer/ "Buyer"
Job DescriptionPurchasing Officers/ "Buyers" are important positions in retailing industry. They acquire goods for sales purpose and thus their performance will affect the business of the company, directly or indirectly. Their main duties are:
Purchase quality goods for sales purpose at the right time and reasonable price
Maintain an appropriate inventory level
Act as the "middle person" between the company and suppliers; communicating and maintaining co-operative relationship with the suppliers
Follow up orders placed and ensuring goods can be delivered on time
Make purchase plan based on sales records, customers' preferences, market trends and inventory level
Monitor the product quality by visiting suppliers
Working experience and good education background are both essential for becoming a Purchasing Officer/ "Buyer". Generally, applicants should meet the following requirements:
Tertiary graduate or above (some may only require F.7 or above)
Good at handling figures and statistical reports
Possess sound analytical and presentation skills
Mature and good at handling inter-personal relations
Have good social and communication skills
Can exercise good judgment and sensitive
Have deep knowledge and foresight of market trends
Knowledge of specific products is necessary and working experience in retail outlets is an advantage
Storekeeper
Job DescriptionStorekeepers work in the storerooms of branches. In some chain stores, like fashion shops, the duties of storekeeper are shared by sales assistants. Generally, the main duties of storekeepers are:
Manage the storeroom of a branch
Classify and store goods
Replenish stock displayed on shelves
Maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the storeroom
F.3 level or above
Have good command of Chinese; able to write and read simple English
Attend to details, patient and organised
Physically fit to work at the storeroom
Warehouse Keeper/ Warehouse Clerk
Job DescriptionWarehouse Keepers/ Warehouse Clerks are responsible for the operation of the entire warehouse. They usually work at the major warehouse of a company rather than the storeroom of a branch. Their main duties are:
Receive, store, inspect and distribute goods
Prepare purchase orders and maintain purchase records
Handle and keep records of goods delivered and received
Keep contact with branch stores and arranging shipment of goods
Monitor and report the stock level to staff in Purchasing Department
Keep the warehouse clean and tidy
F.3 level or above but some may require F.5 level (especially in respect of warehouse clerk)
Have good command of Chinese; able to write and read simple English
Attend to details, patient and organised
Physically fit to work at the warehouse
Have knowledge of simple accounting and basic computer operation
Graphic Artist/ Display Designer
Job DescriptionThe design of window display, commodity setting and in-store decoration are essential elements to attract customers. In some stores, this duty is assigned to experienced store managers while in some others, full-time graphic artists/ display designers are employed. Their main duties are:
Plan and implement design projects according to company's image and promotion theme
"Dress" the windows and design counter displays in order to attract customers
Design shelf display and commodity setting
Creative in art and design
Strong sense in colour and visual effects
Have received formal training in design or related discipline and possess knowledge of art and design
Possess good analytical skills to understand consumers' needs and examine market trends
Physically fit to set up the displays
The availability of promotion opportunities for graphic artists/ display designers depends on company size. For instance, they may be promoted to Arts and Design Officers or Commodity Display Officers in large companies.
The job of business promotion is mainly carried out by staff in Marketing, Sales Promotion, Public Relations or Advertising Department. Although names of these departments may vary in different companies, the duties of a business promotion staff are similar:
Plan and implement promotion projects and related activities to expand sales
Design and maintain a suitable and favourable company image
Maintain close relationship with mass media and advertising agents
Plan various promotional activities in accordance with market trends
Pleasant and self-motivated
Imaginative and flexible
Possess good organisation, presentation and interpersonal skills
Can promote company image and products through mass media
Can organise various promotional activities