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- Tasks: Drive sales and innovation in the snacking category for WHSmith.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a globally recognised brand with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a competitive reward package.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions and shape the future of snacking in travel retail.
- Qualifications: Previous buying experience and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values creativity and fresh thinking.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 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
About 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 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
What’s in it for you?
We offer a competitive reward package designed to support both your career and wellbeing, including:
- Hybrid working model
- Flexible working, including a 4pm finish on Fridays
- 24 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and the option to buy more
- Competitive pension contribution
- Annual bonus linked to company and personal performance
About 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.
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
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WHSmith and the snacking market. Show us that you understand our brand and can bring fresh ideas to the table. Tailor your answers to highlight your commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your previous buying experience aligns with the role. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve driven sales and profitability in past positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at WHSmith.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Snacking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Snacking: When you write your application, let your love for snacking shine through! Talk about your favourite snacks and how they inspire your ideas for the role. We want to see that you’re not just a buyer, but someone who genuinely cares about what goes on the shelves.
Be Data-Driven: Make sure to highlight your numerical and analytical skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can crunch numbers and make sense of data to drive sales and profitability. Share examples of how you've used data to make decisions in the past!
Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills: Since you'll be leading supplier negotiations, it’s crucial to showcase your negotiation experience. Include specific instances where you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships or secured better deals. We love a good success story!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their experiences with what we’re looking for. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Brush up on your numerical and analytical skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive sales or profitability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about how you managed supplier relationships and what strategies you used to achieve favourable outcomes.
✨Understand the Snacking Market
Do your homework on current trends in the snacking category. Be prepared to discuss what you think makes a compelling customer-led snacking offer and how you would curate an assortment that meets WHSmith's commercial goals.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role involves working with various stakeholders, so highlight your collaborative experiences. Prepare to share examples of how you've influenced teams or worked cross-functionally to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
