This opportunity is a comprehensive 12-18 month journey that will significantly expand and develop your skill set.
You will learn about the operations of the Harvey Norman, Domayne or Joyce Mayne brand. Throughout your journey, you will be exposed to different lines of business such as Electrical, Technology & Entertainment, Furniture, Bedding, Bathroom and Tiles and Flooring. You will learn first-hand what it takes to be a leading retailer.
Day in the life of a Harvey Norman Graduate
Matthew R
2017 Graduate
Now Proprietor of Harvey Norman Bedding Hornsby
7:00am
My day usually starts with a decent commute through Sydney’s well-known traffic. I try and keep occupied by listening to podcasts or planning what I want to get done once I get to the store.
8:30am
I start my day by going through any of the emails that might have come through from suppliers, my Proprietor or customer inquiries. I write down a list of tasks/goals for the day and what I will focus on. I am currently working in the customer service/operations role which gives me the opportunity to focus on the operational side of the business particularly on how to manage stock, process wages and rosters as well as administration responsibilities.
10:00am
Having responded to relevant emails and completing any urgent tasks, I try and meet with the team. As we are only a small group, catching up one on one is common. Today we chat about an order that needs to be followed up with the supplier, as well as a new range of products that has just been introduced and set up in store.
12:30pm
One of the most rewarding parts of the job, is helping customers and explaining the great range of options within some of our product range. I have only recently started within the Bedding category, having completed rotations in Electrical and Furniture, however I find it can be a great feeling to show our customers different product features and options, in this case showing the different timber stains on an Australian made bedroom suite.
2:00pm
After having a quick lunch break, I get started reviewing and analysing the inventory levels and product lines within the Manchester department. This will form part of the development plan to improve my understanding of the business. I will work closely with my Proprietor to create a plan to improve sales, stock holdings and reduce aged stock in preparation for half yearly sales. This also gives me the opportunity to work with suppliers, in particular identifying trends, reviewing new products and driving sales.
3:30pm
After realising that I have spent too much time on the development plan, I quickly get back to my set of tasks that I need to complete. This can be different every day, ranging from developing in store advertising to ordering uniforms or even constructing a bed. Today I get the chance to call a customer to chat about their recent experience after organising a replacement for their bed.
6:00pm
While I can tick off most of the things on the list, I have plenty of tasks left to do. I try and review what I managed to achieve and what I thought could have been done more efficiently. Despite not getting everything that I wanted to finish completed, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to work on both long and short term goals, like helping a customer choose their dream bed, and at the same time working toward developing my business skills through a development plan.
