The retail sector in Singapore and South East Asia is full of opportunities, from entry level store staff to head buyers, procurement managers, supply chain executives and specialists in associated disciplines such as human resources, finance, accountancy, marketing, security and credit control. If you have the enthusiasm, the determination and the drive, this is a great environment in which to build a highly rewarding retail career.

To make a success of yourself in retail you’ll need to be a true people person, someone who enjoys interaction with customers, colleagues and others, and who enjoys days that are packed with mini-challenges along the way. If you’re working in a store that’s full of hustle and bustle, you’ll need to be able to adapt quickly and to think on your feet.

The place where retail therapy is a must

Singapore is rightly regarded as a thriving retail centre, and it’s home to a number of exceptional shopping malls as well as thousands of smaller, independent retail outlets. Here you’ll find all the world’s famous names in sectors such as fashion, electronics, finance, homeware, beauty, jewellery, food and cars. Orchard Road is a shopaholic’s paradise in every sense of the word.

The retail sector offers an eclectic selection of roles, including:

• Shop Assistants
• Buyers
• Store Managers
• Inventory Controllers
• Personal Shoppers
• Beauty Consultants
• Area Managers
• Heads of Procurement
• Team Leaders
• Retail Directors

Jobs in supporting sectors are also in demand in Singapore and across the region.

Many front-end store jobs don’t require formal qualifications, in part because the power of your personality will be seen as more important. If you’re looking to build a career in the retail sector, however, qualifications become increasingly relevant. At the higher levels, they can include degrees and other accreditations in the likes of marketing, business management and finance. Sector-specific qualifications are also available in fashion and many other disciplines.

What are retail employers looking for?

Because of the diversity of stores to be found in a busy place like Singapore, it’s worth remembering that the qualities you have will be seen as highly desirable by some employers but not necessarily others. CVs that focus on qualities such as a winning personality, an attention to detail, an adaptable approach, an understanding of stock levels and a desire to resolve potential issues at an early stage will often be more likely to catch the eye.

At the higher end of the retail job market, top level management can expect to find some wonderful career-enhancing opportunities in Singapore. Attractive salaries, performance-related bonuses, excellent working environments and, perhaps crucially, the chance to work in a region which really values the retail sector. This is a place where people come from many miles away just to indulge in some retail therapy.

It’s easy to set up a retail job alert so you can be among the first to know when something special is in the offing, and don’t forget to forward your CV on to our team. We hope to hear from you very soon.