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- Tasks: Lead the buying of hot and cold drinks for our cafes and vending machines.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a trusted global brand with over 230 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a vibrant office in central London.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in buying or procurement within the food industry is preferred.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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’s popular and emerging can give you an edge in discussions during interviews, showing your passion and knowledge about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food service and drinks sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities at WHSmith.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since the role involves supplier management and contract negotiations, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively will be crucial during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or driven cost-saving initiatives in previous roles. Being able to discuss your experience with data analysis and budget management will highlight your commercial acumen.
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 or procurement within the food industry. Emphasise your skills in stakeholder management, negotiation, and data analysis, as these are crucial for the role.
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 driven cost-saving initiatives in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to analyse data or present findings effectively.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include instances where you've demonstrated problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. This could involve overcoming challenges in supplier management or ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Know Your Drinks
Familiarise yourself with the different types of hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, and syrups. Being able to discuss trends in the beverage industry and how they relate to WHSmith's offerings will show your passion and knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've conducted, especially in a buying or procurement context. Highlight how you achieved favourable terms while maintaining quality, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with various teams in previous roles. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to influence decisions, as this will be key in liaising with suppliers and internal teams.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Awareness
Research WHSmith's sustainability initiatives and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Show that you understand the importance of compliance with food safety and environmental policies in the drinks sector.
