HMV Job Vacancies

If you are looking for a career in retail and would like to work in a fast paced, modern environment in the world of music, books and film then HMV could be the employer for you.

HMV is now the UK’s leading retailer of music, DVDs and computer games and operates over 200 stores nationwide. This means that it is likely you will find a HMV store in a town near you, and as the chain continues to expand, job vacancies with HMV will become more widely available. In addition to the stores, HMV operates a hugely successful online retail site, which is serviced by HMV Guernsey in the Channel Islands.

What type of people do HMV look to employ?

Well, as music is their passion, HMV seek people who share in this love. If you are knowledgeable about music and film and would be excited about communicating this with customers then HMV may feel you are the ideal candidate. Only people with a genuine interest in music and film should look to work with HMV.

There are a wide range of job vacancies available with HMV, which can be broken down into three separate categories:

HMV Head Office Job Vacancies
HMV in-store Job vacancies
HMV Distribution Job Vacancies

Read on for more information and tips on applying for a position with HMV…

HMV Head Office Vacancies

The HMV head office is actually split across three separate sites, located in Film House and Princess House, London, Royal House in Solihull and Windsor House in Marlow. The company employs 300 people across these sites, which are then organised into eight different departments as follows:

Finance

Qualified people are employed to manage and communicate the company’s financial position and forecast. This department is responsible for budgets throughout the organisation and the implementation of these budgets.

If you have financial / accountancy qualifications and previous work history within the world of finance then you should consider applying for a role within this department.

Human Resources

HR staff are recruited by HMV to provide coaching and training for all staff throughout the business. They look after recruitment, communication and employee relations and also support individual career development. Generally, staff are required to have an HR background and necessary qualifications.

Product

The product team perhaps have the most exciting jobs within the business, so if you are looking for a job where you can show your understanding and love of music or film then this may be the right department for you. The Product team are responsible for developing all the ranges you find in store, and they are responsible for working with suppliers to negotiate prices and terms. The Product team are constantly reviewing and refreshing the range to ensure HMV are market leader in the entertainment industry.

People with a background in Purchasing are generally considered for a role in the Product team, as are those who can demonstrate a real passion for music, film or games.

Marketing

The marketing team is responsible for designing and delivering the company’s media plan. This includes national TV campaigns, loyalty schemes and in store promotions. They are also responsible for organising personal appearances by bands and artists at promotional events across the UK. Ideally, candidates will have a marketing qualification, or have a proven track record in marketing from previous employment. Again, candidates must be driven and dedicated about music.

E-Commerce

E-Commerce is becoming increasingly important to all UK retailers, and HMV are no exception. The have vacancies for people who are responsible for making the customers on-line experience as user friendly as possible. The team is responsible for all aspects of the site, from graphic design to order fulfilment, so staff with a wide range of skills are required within the E-Commerce department.

Operations

Operations ensure things happen. They improve store efficiencies, deliver and open new stores and have a dedicated customer service team, who seek to improve the overall standards delivered to the customer in store.

IT

The IT team support the communications between stores, warehouses and head office and develop new systems to improve the company’s over all efficiency. If you have an IT background, or are leaving school or college with IT qualifications then you should consider applying for positions within this department.

Supply Chain

The responsibility of the Supply Chain team is to ensure stock arrives at the right place, at the right time, at the right cost. HMV has several distribution centres across the country that distribute and recycle stock. For a vacancy at one of these local centres check your local newspaper for vacancies.

How do I search and apply for a Head Office vacancy with HMV?

Finding a job vacancy based within the HMV Head Office is relatively straightforward. HMV advertises all its head office vacancies on its website, so check out www.hmv.com and follow the jobs link. You will find details of positions available and their location and you are able to apply directly via the website. Have your CV ready and checked so you can upload it with your application. Applications without a CV will not be considered.

HMV In Store Job Vacancies

The HMV store is the heart of all the action, and each store offers a lively environment from which to work.

HMV recruit staff to work as customer service advisors, supervisors and managers and the terms are usually full time or part time. To cope with busy periods of trading HMV also recruit staff to work seasonally, particularly at Christmas. School holidays are another busy trading time, so many students take temporary work in these times.

If you are searching for a vacancy in store with HMV it is worth noting that roles are split between shop floor, stock room, cash office and loss prevention. HMV employs over 4000 people across its 200+ stores.

How do I search and apply for an in-store vacancy with HMV?

Unlike other big retailer, HMV actually advertise in-store positions on the company website, so visit www.hmv.co.uk and follow the jobs link. You are able to filter you search by job type, contract type and geographical location, so you can check out the jobs that are close to home.
HMV also advertise job vacancies in store, usually on the shop front window. This is particularly common when they are recruiting seasonal staff in the run up to Christmas.

Keep your eye out for such notices, but never rule out asking in store if you don’t see any vacancies advertised. Ask to speak to a supervisor and find out if they will be recruiting staff in the near future. Ask for an address so you know where to send your letter of application and CV.

HMV Distribution Vacancies

HMV employs almost 300 people to work one if its three distribution centres. The distribution centres are responsible for ensuring stock is in the right store at the right time. They are also responsible for managing the costs of delivery. These distribution centres are located in Canning Town, London, Merlin Park, Birmingham and Guernsey.

As with head office and in store vacancies, you can view the HMV website to find details of suitable job vacancies, and you can apply online. Don’t forget to update and submit your CV.

Follow the other useful tips and guides available on this website and we wish you well in finding your ideal job vacancy with HMV!