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Buyer
Buyer – Chilled and Snacking Team at WHSmith
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 think creatively, act boldly, and do their very best work.
We’re now looking for a Buyer to work in our Chilled and Snacking team. This is a high-impact role, where you’ll take full ownership of a complex, high-volume category, with the autonomy to shape strategy and deliver commercial success across all WHSmith formats.
As Buyer, you’ll be the key decision-maker for your category, driving sales, profitability, and innovation. You’ll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to build a compelling, customer-led snacking offer that performs across our travel estate.
What You Will Be Doing
- Own and deliver sales and profit targets for your category
- Curating the optimal customer-focused assortment to meet commercial goals
- Developing and delivering a robust category and trade plan aligned to the wider business strategy
- Creating a strong pipeline of value-driving initiatives to accelerate growth
- Leading supplier negotiations and managing long-term supplier relationships
- Defining pricing and promotional strategies
- Sourcing and developing products and suppliers in line with category strategy
- Delivering projects and trials with cross-functional teams
- Contributing to the annual budget and forecasting process
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What We Are Looking For
- Previous buying or relevant commercial experience
- Strong commercial acumen with excellent numerical and analytical skills
- Confident negotiation skills and supplier management experience
- The ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders
- Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Strong IT skills, including Excel and PowerPoint
- A collaborative team player with a passion for delivering 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 and Car Allowance
- Private Medical
- Cycle to work scheme
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. We’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey both in life and through life.
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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
- Our people
- 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.
- 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
- 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!
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