Retail Sales Associate – Cruise Gift Shop and Onboard Retail Operations
cruise ship jobs
Available Locations:
cape town, Western Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
As a Retail Sales Associate, you will deliver exceptional guest service and drive revenue across our onboard gift shops and duty‑free boutiques. You will master product knowledge, execute visual merchandising standards, process multi‑currency transactions, and keep impeccable inventory control—all while living and working at sea. This role blends frontline sales excellence with the discipline of shipboard operations and safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Experience & Sales
- Greet, engage, and consult guests to understand needs and close sales, consistently meeting daily/weekly targets.
- Upsell, cross‑sell, and promote onboard offers, loyalty programs, and limited‑time promotions.
- Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
- Store Operations
- Operate POS systems, handle cash, cards, and multi‑currency transactions; reconcile cash drawers/end-of-day reports.
- Execute visual merchandising plans, planograms, and promotional displays to brand standards.
- Conduct regular cycle counts, stocktakes, and discrepancy investigations to minimize shrinkage.
- Compliance & Safety
- Adhere to all onboard policies, loss prevention protocols, and duty‑free regulations.
- Participate in mandatory safety drills, emergency musters, and security procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and back-of-house organization aligned with maritime standards.
- Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate with Shop Supervisors/Managers and ship departments (Hotel, Finance, Security).
- Provide product knowledge training support to new team members when required.
- Contribute ideas to improve sales performance, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and storytelling skills to create memorable guest interactions.
- Proficiency with POS systems, cash handling, and basic Excel/Google Sheets for sales and inventory reporting.
- Fluency in English (verbal and written); additional languages (Spanish, Italian, German, French, Mandarin, etc.) are a plus.
- Physically able to stand for long periods, lift up to 20 kg (44 lbs), and work in a moving/rolling environment.
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months’ validity) and the ability to obtain required visas (e.g., C1/D for U.S. waters).
- Ability to obtain and maintain:
- STCW Basic Safety Training (and Crowd Management where applicable)
- Seafarer Medical Certificate (per flag/state requirements)
- Police clearance/background check
Experience
- 1–3 years of hands-on retail sales experience (duty-free, luxury, fashion, beauty, electronics, jewelry, or travel retail preferred).
- Experience in cruise, hospitality, airlines, or other guest-centric environments is an advantage.
- Prior exposure to KPI-driven roles (ATV, UPT, conversion) is desirable.
Working Hours
- Shipboard contract: typically 6–8 months onboard, followed by a vacation period.
- 70–84 hours per week on average, split across sea days and port days, with schedules set by onboard management.
- Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends, holidays, port days, and during peak traffic periods.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong product knowledge aptitude and willingness to learn multiple categories quickly.
- Visual merchandising fundamentals (color blocking, storytelling, focal points).
- Numeracy and analytical mindset for interpreting sales reports and inventory metrics.
- High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work with multinational crews and guests.
- Resilience, adaptability, and composure under pressure in a confined, multicultural, 24/7 operational environment.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-free base salary + individual/team commissions/bonuses.
- Free accommodation and meals onboard.
- Medical coverage while on contract.
- Paid travel to and from the vessel (as per company policy).
- Crew recreational facilities, learning and development programs, and global travel opportunities.
- Clear career progression path to Senior Sales Associate, Shop Supervisor, Assistant Manager, and Shop Manager roles.
Why Join
- Work, live, and travel the world—wake up in a new destination regularly.
- Gain international retail experience in a unique, high-energy environment.
- Accelerate your career with structured training, strong performance incentives, and rapid growth paths.
- Be part of a diverse, supportive, and multicultural team.
How to Apply
- Send your CV/Resume (in English) highlighting:
- Retail sales achievements (targets, KPIs, awards)
- Product categories you’ve sold
- Languages spoken
- Visa/Certificates already held (STCW, C1/D, Seafarer Medical)
- Earliest availability for joining
- Subject Line: Retail Sales Associate – Cruise Gift Shop | Your Name
- Include: A short cover note on why working at sea appeals to you and your top 3 sales accomplishments.
- Next Steps: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual interviews, assessments, and pre-employment documentation (medical, background checks, visas, and safety training).