Buyer - Gifting & Seasonal

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.

Applications Close 14th October.

Buyer - Gifting & Seasonal

At WHSmith Europe 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, you will drive the commercial performance of your category across all our formats. This role will be managing a category with scale and complexity, so you will need to have previous relevant commercial experience. You will be the key decision maker with the autonomy to deliver your category strategy.

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 with strong negotiation skills– necessary
• Sense of urgency for goal achievement. -Manages simultaneous projects, multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Results focused idea generation. Innovative and creative problem solving. Rapport and relationship building focused on achieving results.
• Action-oriented and collaborative decision making.
• Extroverted, confident, enthusiastic, persuasive influences. Stimulates others to action.
• Authoritative leadership based on generalist expertise and knowledge of systems.
• Delegation of details as necessary, with follow up on timeliness and quality.
• Accountability for results.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary
• Private Medical Care
• 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 into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re 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, 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.

For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.

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!