Facets of Signet
The diverse roles we offer
Signet is a diverse business. When you consider the value and the complexity of the products we sell, the specialist roles that are required to bring wonderful products in to the stores of the worlds largest retail jeweller - you can appreciate how we have some of the best individuals within their respective field. Here is an insight into just some of the Head Office and retail roles we offer within the Group.
Buying and Merchandising
Buying and Merchandising is by far the largest department within Signet Head Office. Covering the two main core brands - H.Samuel and Ernest Jones - each has a number of teams applying their skills to four key product ranges: watches, diamonds and rings, gold and silver and gifts.
Buying
This Department is responsible for the sourcing, design, quality and price negotiation of all our products. The process is a complex one and starts with identifying key products that our stores should be stocking, then analysing individual classes of merchandise and sales opportunities from the previous season, going on to establish the likely market trends for the new ones. This involved process forms the basis of the sales plan for each area.
Current and future market trends from a variety of sources are continually monitored and analysed - a stream of vital data from suppliers, fashion sources, shows and trade fairs.
Buyers are responsible for evaluating relevant product sources to ensure that stock is provided by the most reliable and cost effective suppliers. Though initial orders are placed by the Buying Department, further orders are placed by Merchandising.
Buyers have a major input into the display and layout, marketing, retail, product co-ordination and packaging of products, liaising closely with all the relevant departments. Our Buyers also work very closely with the Merchandisers, analysing sales and trends, determining stock quotas and ensuring efficient space management.
Merchandising
The role of the Merchandising Department is to maximise the sales and gross profit of the organisation through effective planning, controlling and monitoring of the purchase, intake and distribution of merchandise.
All this planning takes place in conjunction with the Buyers. Branch grading is also part of the planning process and this is then used in the overall plan to determine the range size at branch level. This Department monitors sales at various levels, closing stock, intake and discount. Regular ordering of 'continuity lines' is key as they represent a large proportion of our business's income. We also closely monitor supplier and product line performance, especially key trends, by reviewing sales versus plans, forecast and also GMROI performance.
Ultimately, Merchandising controls the flow of stock into the warehouse and takes prompt action on all 'late' and 'under' deliveries and outstanding orders.
Buyers and Merchandisers Development Programmes
The Signet Buyers and Merchandisers Development Programmes provide structured development for both the Buying and the Merchandising Departments and are highly prized within the retail industry. Programmes are available for the following roles:
- Buying Merchandising
- Buyers Administrator Allocator
- Assistant Buyer Senior Allocator
- Assistant Merchandiser
Like all of our development opportunities, the programme is based on a number of performance standards and at each level the individual is encouraged and supported to achieve a certain level of competence. This Programme relies strongly on the support and guidance of the individual's Line Manager, who, through ongoing assessment, will discuss progress and plan the next stage of development.
Once the required level of competence is reached, the employee will move up to the next level and receive increased remuneration for applying new levels of key competencies within the business.
Finance
Imagine the numbers we're talking about - not just in merchandise, but one of the largest retail networks in the country. The cost of infrastructure, property, rents, wages, overheads, supplier invoices - you can appreciate the size and complexity of our Finance Department and the diverse and exciting careers on offer to support such a complex business.
Aspects of Finance that are covered at Head Office include:
- Planning and Analysis
- Financial Control
- Accounting Services
- Internal Audit
- Financial Systems
The business prides itself on the commitment we give to our team. Future personal development is a key part of working here, so wherever possible we support advanced study and encourage each member of the team to take their skills and ability further.
Information Technology
It's a matter of policy that we try and be as autonomous as possible within IT - developing bespoke applications that support the business strategy. This has produced a highly skilled and committed Head Office IT team, working on a variety of projects from hardware solutions through to cutting edge applications, with active user participation at all stages. It also presents some of the most exciting and interesting challenges you will find on some of the most popular platforms.
The IT team applies their skill on a number of technologies - using NT systems in all stores, with AS400, NT servers and a Unix box running Oracle for the central systems. The whole internal approach to problem solving is holistic and teamwork-centric. This close, friendly and stimulating environment is a unique place for those wanting a real future for their talents.
Marketing
Constant, yet particularly season-heavy, our Group marketing activity is considerable. Imagine developing campaigns that stimulate the most cherished and emotive of products - how we develop attraction strategies for niche audiences and powerfully get the message across in a compelling and exciting way. Campaigns such as the 'Leo diamond' have become legendary - achieving outstanding sales results and being one of our most recognisable brands ever.
It's not just about working on a single business either. With not one but two high profile businesses to develop strategies for, there are opportunities to use your skills in developing a host of material, including advertising, direct mail, point of sale and publicity items. It's a department and career path that shares the customer's passion and aspirational values.
e-commerce
An increasing part of our sales ambition will be realised through online sources. Though created relatively recently, the achievements and milestones from this Department are already proving themselves to be a vital part of our portfolio. Briefing the web design teams, product positioning, liaising with all internal departments, developing our web offering and deciding how we can continually innovate, make this area a unique career path for those who have a real passion for online and want to use their skills at the cutting edge of the market.
Human Resources
Retailing businesses are all about people - the interaction between customer and store. Yet jewellery retail is much, much more than this. The most 'emotive' of purchases requires so much more care and attention, personality and training to get it right and being the largest in the world, our people are expected to be the benchmark for quality and service. All this means HR at Signet is one of the most demanding, exciting, involving and dynamic Personnel roles out there. Whether you're front-line in-stores or working in Head Office, the pace and excitement of looking after our most valuable asset is breathtaking. We allow our team to innovate, play a vital hands-on role in policy development and give freedom for your generalist skills to make a real impact.
Call Centre
Many people are surprised when they discover we have our own Call Centre. Yet there are many aspects to our business where after sales care, insurance issues and customer feedback is of prime importance. This growing team is split into a variety of departments - each a thriving team that prides itself on levels of service, teamwork and buzz.
Insurance Call Centre
The Insurance Call Centre's overall responsibility is to provide insurance companies with details or goods to replace items of jewellery due to loss, theft or damage. It's based within our Birmingham Head Office where we establish and maintain contracts with insurance companies, working to agreed service levels. Training is provided to stores and also to members of the insurance companies, which helps build on our existing relationships. We have a Call Centre Services Manager who manages a team of over 50 people. The team is broken down into 4 distinct areas: Data Entry and Vouchers, Consultations, Inbound Phones and Jewellery. Within the structure is a Call Centre Manager, a Trainer, a Business Improvement Manager and two qualified Valuers. The aim is to provide a value for money replacement service with quick turnaround times to high quality standards.
Customer Services
The central Customer Services Department, based in Birmingham, deals with any complaints and enquiries which are received from customers and branch staff, aiming to provide a swift, courteous and helpful service at all times. We handle queries via phone, post, email from our websites and In Store Survey Cards.
Central Retail Operations
We ensure that the Retail Operations Team out in the field (Area and Regional Managers and the store teams themselves) are supported by services such as:
- Establishment of sales targets by stock category
- Regular reviews of individual store sales/profit contribution
- New store development and refurbishments
- Staff planning and budgeting
- Property and estate management