The top companies hiring for Christmas 2014

The top companies hiring for Christmas 2014 by Michael Cheary Looking for seasonal work? Tis the season…If you’re excited by all things Xmas-sy, finding a new job over the festive period could be the perfect career move for you not to mention the perfect opportunity to earn some much needed cash over the busy Christmas months.Not sure where to start? Here are some of the top companies hiring this Christmas on reed.co.uk:AmazonWant to avoid the queues? Start searching Amazon.Formed in a Californian basement in the mid 1990’s, Amazon have gone on to become an online retail behemoth and, arguably, the go-to destination for Christmas shoppers worldwide. In fact, on a busy day over Christmas they can make anywhere up to three million sales in the UK alone â€" amounting to a staggering 2,500 customer orders every minute.To keep up with demand, Amazon employ somewhere in the region of 15,000 temporary employees over the seasonal period. Current opportunities range from vacancies in HR and IT through to procurement posi tions.N.B. ‘1-click’ may not be available for careers…Locations: Throughout the UK.View all jobs with Amazon now »HarrodsHarrods â€" as big a part of some people’s Christmas traditions as awkward family chit-chats and Noddy Holder playing on the radio/CD player/gramophone.What you may not know, however, is that the famous London store occupies a five acre site, made up of over 330 individual departments, and over one million square feet of selling space. There’s also a pretty spacious grotto for those with jollier ambitions. But more on that kind of thing later…They’re looking to add to the 12,000 staff that already call the department store home, and available roles over Christmas range from Sales Associates and Personal Shoppers through to Chefs and Interior Designers.Looking for a new career this Christmas? Stop window shopping.Locations: LondonView all jobs with Harrods now »John LewisThere’s much more to John Lewis at Christmas than stuffed aquatic animals and the music of Tom Odell.As one of the biggest department stores in the UK, and 43 stores nationwide, they provide Christmas essentials ranging from excellent gifts for your loved ones, through to the all the traditional trimmings for your Christmas dinner.They’re passionate about delivering excellent customer service, and a big part of this comes in the form of the friendly staff they have on hand. Oxford Street, their flagship store and arguably the busiest of all their outlets, are looking for Stock Management Partners to help out over the Christmas period.If youre interested, find your next role with John Lewis and give someone the Christmas theyve been dreaming of.(Warning:  Spheniscidaeaphobics* need not apply) #montythepenguinLocations: London.View all jobs with John Lewis now »MenkindMenkind is a novelty gadget retailer, found in many of the busiest high-streets and shopping centres around the UK.Not only is it a haven for last-minute shoppers seeking stocking stuffers and original Secret Santa gifts, it’s also a great place to work. Especially if you’re looking for a fun and festive working environment, and you’re a big fan of Pointless: The Board Game.Menkind featured in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 group of the fastest growing companies for two years in a row, and their latest recruitment drive is mainly concentrating on customer-facing retail positions for their seasonal stores.So if you like the idea of racing remote control helicopters around whilst simultaneously spreading a sense of Christmas spirit, this might be the right role for you.Warning: technophobes need not apply…Locations: Throughout the UK.View all jobs with Menkind now »Toys R Us‘There’s a magical place, we’re on our way there, with toys in their millions all under one roof â€" it’s called…’ Well, you know the rest.**With over 1,500 stores worldwide, Toys R Us is the largest standalone toy store chain in the world. And whilst it almost goes without saying that Christmas is their busiest period, what you might not know is that somewhere in the region of 40% of the company’s sales come during the fourth quarter of the year. And that’s a lot of money. Just ask the Giraffe.They’re looking for bright and enthusiastic individuals to fill a number of positions, ranging from Sales Advisors and Shift Supervisors through to HR and Marketing positions. In return, you’ll receive a competitive salary, comprehensive training and support, and a whole host of other benefits. Also, did we mention employee discount?Want to work for Toys R Us? Apply today. Let’s face it parents, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time there anyway…Locations: Throughout the UK.View all jobs with Toys R Us now »And finally…SantaIf you really want to indulge in the Christmas spirit, why not go all out?Father Christmas (a.k.a. Santa/St. Nick/The big guy) is in demand all over the UK, to help fill grottos and generally spread Christmas cheer to the masses . And whether working in a local garden centre or one of the country’s biggest department stores, there can be few more rewarding positions.Basic responsibilities include asking children what they want for Christmas, and apologising to their parents for setting expectations too high.Santa Claus jobs are coming to town…Locations: Throughout the UK.View all Santa jobs now »*The irrational fear of penguins. Youre welcome**To settle any potential debates over the ending of this advert, reed.co.uk feel it’s our duty to point out that the last line is as follows: ‘There’s millions says Geoffrey, all under one roof’. There were not, in fact, millions of Geoffrey’s.    Ready to wrap up your perfect Christmas by finding a new job? Search all available Christmas jobs now.  Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applic able to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features