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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial performance and manage a complex snacking category.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a globally recognised brand with 230 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Previous buying experience and strong commercial acumen are essential.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant London office with a diverse and inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Buyer – Snacking Based in Aldgate, London (3 days a week)At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They\’re the ones who go the extra mile for our customers and help drive 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 – Snacking to join our fast-paced UK Travel 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.The Role 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.Key responsibilities include:Owning and delivering sales and profit targets for your categoryCurating the optimal customer-focused assortment to meet commercial goalsDeveloping and delivering a robust category and trade plan aligned to the wider business strategyCreating a strong pipeline of value-driving initiatives to accelerate growthLeading supplier negotiations and managing long-term supplier relationshipsDefining pricing and promotional strategiesSourcing and developing products and suppliers in line with category strategyDelivering projects and trials with cross-functional teamsContributing to the annual budget and forecasting processAbout You You\’ll be a commercially driven buyer who thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys owning decisions from end to end.We\’re looking for:Previous buying or relevant commercial experienceStrong commercial acumen with excellent numerical and analytical skillsConfident negotiation skills and supplier management experienceThe ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholdersResilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environmentA proactive, solutions-focused mindsetStrong IT skills, including Excel and PowerPointA collaborative team player with a passion for delivering resultsWhat\’s in it for you? We offer a competitive reward package designed to support both your career and wellbeing, including:Hybrid working modelFlexible working, including a 4pm finish on Fridays24 days\’ holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and the option to buy moreCompetitive pension contributionAnnual bonus linked to company and personal performanceAbout WHSmith With over 230 years of history, WHSmith is a globally recognised brand operating in more than 30 countries. Trusted by millions of customers, we\’re proud of our journey and committed to building a better business for our people, our communities, and our planet.Our head office, located near Aldgate Station, is home to an ambitious, collaborative, and innovative team. We thrive on pace, autonomy, and fresh thinking—making it a great place for people who enjoy stepping outside their comfort zone. WHSmith is proud to be an inclusive employer, where everyone is encouraged to be themselves and feel they truly belong.
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Buyer (Snacking) employer: Funky Pigeon
Contact Detail:
Funky Pigeon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Snacking)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with WHSmith's product range, especially in the snacking category. Understanding their current offerings and identifying gaps or opportunities can help you demonstrate your commercial acumen during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since you'll be managing supplier relationships, being able to showcase your ability to negotiate favourable terms will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis. Highlight specific examples where you've used data to drive decisions or improve performance, as this role requires strong numeracy skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of WHSmith if possible. Gaining insights into the company culture and expectations can give you an edge in understanding how to align your approach with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Snacking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant buying and commercial experience. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage categories, negotiate with suppliers, and achieve sales targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with WHSmith's values and the specific requirements of the Buyer position.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to analyse data. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders and driven commercial performance in previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include instances where you've demonstrated problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. This will show WHSmith that you can adapt and thrive under pressure, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial awareness. Be prepared to discuss your previous buying experience and how you've successfully driven sales and profitability in past roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiation skills are crucial for this role. Think of past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms with suppliers or stakeholders. Be ready to role-play a negotiation scenario during the interview to showcase your skills.
✨Highlight Your Data Analysis Skills
Strong numeracy and data analysis skills are essential. Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the buying role and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your decisions and strategies.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
WHSmith values teamwork, so be sure to highlight your ability to work collaboratively across functions. Share examples of how you've engaged with cross-functional teams to deliver projects or initiatives successfully.
