Buyer- General Merchandise

An excellent opportunity for someone who already has some buying experience who is looking to develop these skills further.

Buyer - General Merchandise

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 (Grade C), you will drive the commercial performance of your category across all our formats. 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 – 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
• Staff Discount Card for stores and online

About us:

Celebrating 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 12,000 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 UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.