Prop Assistant

Role Responsibility

The Prop Assistant is a newly created role within the Windows team, reporting to the Styling and Prop Manager.

The Prop Assistant is a creative and resourceful role that is responsible for sourcing props on both large scale and small detail for the windows and sometimes in store installations. The approach of propping rather than fabrication in some instances will require creative initiative and a solution focussed approach to source the most exceptional props that will enhance the windows impact, contributing to creating a recognisable Selfridges visual language and delivering successful, industry leading windows.

The Prop Assistant is responsible for sourcing, organising, maintaining and sometimes creating all of the props needed for a windows scheme and sometimes in store installations.

As Prop Assistant, you will -

• Source the required props to implement the designs created by the Windows Set designer, from large scale builds to small scale detail.

• Work closely with the Windows Set Designer, Styling and Prop Manager and Production Manager on the vision for the windows design to identify opportunities for propping rather than builds and understand the requirements for each window.

• Research and source the props needed from various suppliers, prop houses, crafts people and even salvage and reclamation yards to deliver the most authentic and awe inspiring results.

• Be able to create and or modify props as needed.

• Work closely with external prop makers to develop bespoke items for the windows, when required.

• Ensure props are acquired within budget with a creative and sustainable approach (for example, what could be reused from with Selfridges or other creative sources).

• Create an inventory of all props and safely store and maintain any that can be reused.

• Be responsible for installing the propped elements of the windows in collaboration with the Styling and Prop and Production teams.

The Ideal Candidate

How you’ll do it…you will have:

• Incredible attention to detail

• Strong organisation skills

• Strong communication skills to ensure propping meets the required aesthetic of the windows design and works successfully with the other elements within the window.

• A creative approach in order to develop and deliver ideas that create exceptional results.

• A resourceful and quick thinking approach to be able to respond swiftly to potential issues on installation where props need to be assessed and changed.

• The ability to work in a fast paced environment

• Strong communication skills in order to collaborate with Windows colleagues on shared goals

• Knowledge of safety procedure to ensure safe use of props

• Excellent time management, able to meet deadlines in both sourcing props and installation of them.

About the Company

Rewards and benefits 

Here are just a few of our rewards and benefits that help make our team experience that bit more extraordinary. 

• Flexible working options to benefit you, your family and your wellbeing that can include part-time, flexi-time, job sharing or hybrid working

• Generous annual leave that increases with length of service 

• Up to five paid volunteering days – from beach cleans to co-ordinating food and clothing donations 

• Family leave that suits your set up including Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental leave policies 

• Defined pension contribution scheme  

• Generous bonus and/or commission scheme  

• Enviable team member discount including sale previews and double discount days 

• Exclusive local discounts on a range of restaurants, bars, beauticians and entertainment 

• Subsidised gym memberships  

• A sustainable car salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility criteria)

• Several internal communities to get involved in from our Diversity Board and Green Warriors who are leading the charge on D,E&I and sustainability, to the Wellbeings who are always thinking of new ways to champion healthy minds, bodies and routines for our team members 

• Workplace Options, our confidential team member assistance programme for when life gets tricky or you need a little guidance 

• Access to a wide range of training programmes to help your career development 

Read on to find out how you can play your part in Reinventing Retail… 

Everyone is welcome 

Selfridges is a place where we want everyone to feel a sense of belonging. We embrace every self and are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive working culture. We are leading with purpose to not only increase the visibility and recognition of under-represented talent within our organisation, but the wider industry too. Here at Selfridges, everyone is welcome – irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or disability, we stand by equal opportunities for all.   

To ensure every feels welcome, we offer support at every stage of the application and interview process.  Should you need it, please let your recruitment contact know and they will be more than happy to help.

Our awards cabinet  

We’re not ones to brag, but since you asked...Selfridges has won the award for The World’s Best Department Store an unprecedented four times at the IGDS awards, with an additional award for the Best Sustainability Campaign. We were also recognised as a ‘Best 25 Big Company to Work For 2020’ as awarded by The Sunday Times. 

Selfridges