Buyer - Gifting

Application Closing Date: 11/09/2026

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Commercial team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work.

As a Buyer – Gifting, you will drive the commercial performance of your category across all our formats for your assigned category and suppliers, supported by the Buyer.

What you will be doing:

• Delivering and tracking against the key commercial KPI’s of sales and profitability.
• Curating the optimum assortment for our customers that delivers on all our commercial targets.
• Generating a continuous pipeline of value creating initiatives to deliver sales and profitability.
• Being responsible for the category and trade plan that aligns to the overarching business plan.
• Negotiating with and managing the supplier base, including a clear supplier strategy and the ongoing maintenance/improvement of terms.
• Defining the pricing and promotional strategy for the category.
• Product/supplier sourcing & development in line with strategy.
• Delivering projects and trials within your own area with cross functional engagement.
• Contributing to the annual budget building process.

What we are looking for:

• Previous buying/commercial experience – desirable.
• Computer literate - experience using Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint).
• Great stakeholder management with the ability to communicate and influence effectively.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Negotiation knowledge and skills.
• Strong numeracy skills and ability to analyse data.
• Ability to demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Proactive and resourceful.
• Great team player.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office.
• 4pm Friday Finish.
• 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday.
• Family Friendly Leave.
• Pension Scheme.
• Sharesave Scheme.
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance.
• Competitive Salary.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)

About us: Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations. Our UK Travel and International office is based in a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.

Across both locations, we're an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration, and innovation. We foster an entrepreneurial culture where people are encouraged to take initiative, embrace new challenges, and help shape the future of our business.

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!