Seasonal Sales Associate (f/m/d)

We’re in business to save our home planet. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. As a certified B Corporation and a founding member of 1% for the Planet, the company is recognized internationally for its product quality and environmental activism, as well as its contributions of more than $240 million to environmental organizations. Its unique ownership structure reflects that Earth is its only shareholder: Profits not reinvested back into the business are paid as dividends to protect the planet. 

Job Title: Seasonal Sales Associate

Reports to: Store Manager

Location: Milan, Italy

Your Main Tasks:

Customer Service and Sales

• Greet all customers promptly and courteously as they enter the store.

• Utilize the tools and training provided by the Company to develop selling and service skills, resulting in long-term customer relationships and increased sales.

• Direct customers throughout the store or to the specific area the customer requests.

• Determine the specific needs of each person that enters the store and provide appropriate service.

• Give accurate and current information about the product for all inquiries; if the correct information is not at hand, do everything possible to provide an answer before the customer leaves the store.

• Increase the customer base by adding new customers to the mailing list.

• Maintain the feedback loop to designers and buyers by turning in customer comment cards; participate in information-gathering requests from the Company.

• Handle product returns in a way that demonstrates the spirit of our “Ironclad Guarantee.”

• Maintain a positive and cheerful attitude at all times.

• Understand the Patagonia Retail Philosophy and use this philosophy in all customer interaction.

• Apply the above standards to all phone inquiries.

Merchandising and Maintenance

• Check stock daily and restock when necessary to ensure that all products are available for customers; if stock is not currently available offer to put their name on the wish list and to call them when stock arrives.

• Perform merchandising duties: folding, hanging, and displaying product according to retail merchandising standards.

• Steam all hanging merchandise.

• Assist in displaying all featured merchandise prominently in each section.

• Help store merchandiser and/or store manager by suggesting alternative locations for products.

• Maintain store image by adhering to the dress guidelines for Patagonia Retail employees.

• Maintain a clean and well-organized back-stock area.

• Vacuum, sweep floors, and empty all trash each day if required.

• Clean employee break area each day.

Operations

• Report to work on time or notify in advance if absent or late.

• Operate the cash register; it should be each employee’s goal to use the register without error and to be consistently accurate in money handling.

• Understand and utilize all reports including:  item master, units’ location report, open order report, color and style masters, etc.

• Use correct procedures for processing mail orders, transfers, special orders, and rentals.

• Know and utilize the procedures for processing paperwork between the store and Retail Services.

• Practice security measures that help prevent theft; understand the procedures for handling shoplifters.

• Practice safety consciousness at all times.

• Participate in all required Patagonia Retail employee training.

• Participate in the training of fellow employees, including New Hire Training and ongoing product, service, and environmental training.

• Be proactive in your ongoing education regarding the company, weekly reports, products, and the outdoor retail business.

• Take advantage of additional training opportunities that are offered.

Mentoring, Training and Employee Development

• Participate in all required Patagonia Retail employee training.

• Participate in the training of fellow employees, including New Hire Training and ongoing product, service, and environmental training.

• Be proactive in your ongoing education regarding the company, weekly reports, products, and the outdoor retail business.

• Take advantage of additional training opportunities that are offered.

What we’re looking for

In order to succeed in this role, it is expected that you will have:

• An inclusive mindset

• Strong customer service and sales skills.

• Previous retail or related customer service experience.

• Language skills: Fluent in English and Italian, in addition fluency in other languages will be an advantage.

• Patagonia product experience/knowledge will be an advantage.

• Working knowledge of computers; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Ability to work in a self-motivated environment. Pro-active based thinking.

• Demonstrated flexibility on the job; ability to adapt quickly and react positively to business needs and changes in strategies.

• Organizational skills.

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Effective communication skills.

• Ability to effectively work in a team

• A love of the outdoors

• An interest in saving our home planet and making a positive impact through your work

What we offer

Our offers are based on relevant experience and skills, allowing us to ensure internal equity and consistency across the team.

Every offer we make is carefully reviewed by our People + Culture team. To avoid creating or reinforcing pay gaps, we do not base our offers on a candidate’s previous salary, salary expectations, or negotiation skills

We offer the following benefits:

• 26 days of annual paid leave, plus additional paid leave through ROL and public holiday entitlements, in line with the Italian CCNL Commercio Collective Agreement.

• Field Day: A paid day provided by Patagonia to connect with your team, get outside and experience Patagonia products firsthand.    

• 13th and 14th month salary paid in June and December

• Meal vouchers

• Reimbursement of public transportation when commuting to the workplace

To find out more about what we offer our employees click here: https://eu.patagonia.com/nl/en/what-we-offer/. 

Justice & Belonging

We commit to becoming an anti-racist and anti-discriminatory company that leads by example. This means doing the work to be inclusive and equitable, across all aspects of our business.

We foster a welcoming and respectful environment where every member of our EMEA team feels included, respected and empowered regardless of  their race, colour, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion or belief, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family or marital status, socio-economic background, disability, age, neurodiversity, or any other aspect of identity or lived experience.

Recruitment Process

If your application is successful, you will be contacted by one of our recruitment team within 4 weeks to set up a first interview who will talk you through the full interview process.

We strive to make unbiased decisions and to offer a great experience to every person who applies for a role at Patagonia. Our interviews include standardized questions that focus on the aspects that are important for success in the role.

Whilst we love hearing from people who are passionate about Patagonia and our purpose, we ask that all applications are submitted through our official application process, including a CV and cover letter. To help us maintain a fair, consistent and objective experience for all candidates, we are unable to review applications or respond to recruitment enquiries received by email, LinkedIn Inbox or other channels outside of the advertised role. Applying through the application link ensures every candidate is considered using the same process and receives equal opportunity throughout the recruitment journey.

Please make sure that your CV and cover letter are in English.