At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and innovation in the chilled snacking category for WHSmith.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a leading name in UK travel retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with flexible working options and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and make impactful decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or commercial roles with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re now looking for a Buyer – Chilled and 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. 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
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
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!
Buyer (Chilled Snacking) employer: WHSmith Travel
WHSmith is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Support Centre in Aldgate Tower, London. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide a hybrid working model, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every team member can thrive. Our culture promotes professional growth through collaborative projects and innovative initiatives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Chilled Snacking)
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like WHSmith Travel.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Chilled Snacking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to WHSmith Travel:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WHSmith Travel. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like WHSmith Travel.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith Travel
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at WHSmith Travel!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at WHSmith Travel. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into WHSmith Travel's culture.
