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- Tasks: Lead the buying of hot and cold drinks for our food service operations.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a globally recognised brand with over 230 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Previous buying experience in the food industry and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Located in central London, close to Liverpool Street Station.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 to do their best work.
We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded food service drinks buyer to manage our hot & cold foodservice drinks range across our food service retail operations including our cafes, counters and self-serve machines. This role is essential in ensuring that our stores have a competitive and high-quality drinks offering which is a key element of our food service strategy.
What you will be doing:
Drinks Buying:
- Leading the buying of foodservice drinks including hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate), drinks ingredients (syrups, milk etc)and managing relationships with relevant drinks suppliers.
- Collaborating with wider food service team, operations, health & safety, and group procurement teams to ensure products align with operational needs, food safety standards, and brand guidelines.
- Identifying and delivering cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or sustainability targets.
Supplier & Contract Management:
- Building strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and negotiating favourable commercial terms.
- Conducting regular supplier performance reviews and monitor KPIs (cost, delivery, service quality).
Sustainability & Compliance:
- Ensuring all consumables comply with food safety, hygiene regulations, and environmental policies.
- Driving commercial decisions that support waste reduction and sustainable sourcing (e.g., compostable packaging, low-energy vending units).
Budgeting & Reporting:
- Monitoring spend against category budgets, analyse variances, and recommend corrective actions.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Liaising with operations, food safety, maintenance and merchandising to ensure product and equipment is available, compliant, and fit for purpose.
- Supporting store openings, refurbishments, and new concept rollouts with consumables and vending provisioning.
What we are looking for
- Previous buying/procurement/commercial experience within the food industry– preferred
- Computer literate – experience using Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint essential)
- 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
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 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 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.
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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Buyer - Coffee & Drinks employer: Funky Pigeon
Contact Detail:
Funky Pigeon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Coffee & Drinks
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the coffee and drinks market. Understanding what consumers are looking for can give you an edge in discussions with suppliers and during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food service industry, especially those involved in buying and procurement. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could help you learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves managing supplier relationships and negotiating terms, being able to demonstrate your ability to secure favourable deals will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. This will highlight your strong commercial acumen, which is essential for the Buyer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Coffee & Drinks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, procurement, or commercial roles within the food industry. Emphasise your skills in stakeholder management, negotiation, and data analysis, as these are crucial for the Buyer position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food service industry and your understanding of WHSmith's values. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or identified cost-saving opportunities in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office tools like Excel and PowerPoint. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to analyse data or present findings effectively.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include examples in your application that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced environments. This could be through specific projects or challenges you've faced in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Show Your Passion for Drinks
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the coffee and drinks industry. Share any personal experiences or knowledge you have about different types of beverages, trends in the market, or sustainability practices that excite you.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully conducted. Highlight how you achieved favourable terms with suppliers while maintaining quality and sustainability, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you analyse data and monitor budgets. Bring examples of how you've used Excel to track spending or assess supplier performance, as strong numeracy skills are essential for this position.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves liaising with various teams, share instances where you've effectively collaborated with others. Discuss how you communicate and influence stakeholders to achieve common goals, showcasing your team player mentality.
