Visual Merchandising Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Starting salary: 29,622 pro rata, per year
Contract type: Fixed term until 14 March 2027
Grade: 2
Location: Longmore House, Edinburgh
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person at Longmore House, Edinburgh, week commencing 24 August 2026

This is an exciting opportunity to support the Visual Merchandising function across our 70+ sites with retail outlets. You will be working across our estate developing new and innovative merchandising techniques to improve visitor experience and help drive sales, whilst working with the site staff on implementing guidelines and best practices.

For more information about the post and information about the team, please access the full job description for this post here. Please note that if you don't have Office 365 installed on your device, this can be opened using your browser.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme - 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role

• Support the delivery of Historic Environment Scotland's retail strategy. 

• Provide support to Visual Merchandising Manager in issuing guidance and planograms to sites on displays and merchandising of products.

• Regular travel throughout Scotland (including to remote sites) to merchandise stores with new and existing products, including overnight stays.

• Assist Retail Development & Visual Manager when required on the delivery of retail refits and projects, including associated admin.

• Work with Visual Merchandising Manager to issue ordering info to sites on display equipment and props.

• Regular attendance at our warehouse (Edinburgh) to distribute props and display sundries to sites.

• Assist in creating product listings and gathering content for promotional activity, including members magazine, social content, and events.

• Ensure all sites have relevant points of sale (POS) and develop POS templates for specific site product ranges.

• Produce a quarterly newsletter to inform sites of retail activity.

• Organise stock packages and display props for events.

• Work with merchandising team to organise stock packages for corporate gifts.

• Process non-stock orders.

• Influence retail decisions through contributions made at team trade meetings.

• Liaise with store personnel.

• General team admin, book travel and accommodation. 

• Participate in promotional activities.

• Ensure that all health and safety requirements are met when working at site.
   

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1,200 words), using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Essential:

• Proven experience of showing a creative and innovative approach to visual merchandising.

• Analytical skills and ability to understand sales data.

• Ability to manage deadlines and adhere to critical paths, whilst working autonomously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and use own initiative.

• Comprehensive IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher.

• Good attention to detail.

• Full UK driving licence due to requirement to travel to remote sites, or if non-UK driving licence holder, willingness to convert within first 12 months of employment.
   

Find out more about desirable skills and experience in our full job description here.

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

To submit your application online, please read our 'How to Apply' followed by 'Apply Now' button to begin your application.