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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the News & Magazines category, driving sales and profitability with creative strategies.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a trusted brand with over 230 years of retail heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, generous holiday, and a competitive bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while curating exciting product assortments.
- Qualifications: Experience in a commercial or buying role with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team in vibrant central London, thriving on creativity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Buyer – News & Magazines
Location: London (Hybrid)
Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus
At WHSmith, our people are the heart of everything we do. They\’re the ones who go the extra mile for our customers, drive innovation, and shape the future of our business. That\’s why within our Commercial team, we\’ve created an environment where creativity, autonomy, and bold thinking are not only encouraged but essential.
We\’re currently looking for a passionate and commercially savvy Buyer to take the reins of our News & Magazines category – a high-profile and fast-moving area of the business. If you\’ve got the experience and ambition to deliver real impact, we want to hear from you.
What You\’ll Be Doing
As a Buyer, you\’ll lead the performance of your category across all WHSmith formats, making key decisions that directly impact sales and profitability. You\’ll have full autonomy to develop and execute your category strategy – curating the right product assortment, driving commercial initiatives, and owning supplier relationships.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering and tracking against key commercial KPIs – sales, margin, profitability
- Building a winning assortment that excites customers and drives results
- Leading category planning in line with broader business strategy
- Developing and delivering pricing, promotion, and trade plans
- Managing and negotiating with suppliers, improving terms and driving value
- Delivering category-led projects and cross-functional initiatives
- Supporting the annual budgeting and forecasting process
What We\’re Looking For
We\’re after someone who brings both the commercial edge and the creative spark – someone who\’s just as confident analysing data as they are building supplier relationships or launching new products.
You\’ll need:
- Proven experience in a commercial or buying role (ideally in a complex, fast-paced environment)
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action
- A customer-first mindset with a passion for products and trends
- Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive attitude
- Confident stakeholder management and communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
What You\’ll Get in Return
We believe in rewarding great work and giving our teams the tools and freedom to thrive. When you join us, you\’ll enjoy:
- Hybrid Working – 2-3 days a week in our vibrant central London office
- Flexible Hours with a 4pm Friday finish
- 25 days holiday, your birthday off, plus bank holidays – with the option to buy more
- Annual bonus based on personal and company performance
- Car allowance and private medical cover (Grade D and above)
- Sharesave scheme and competitive pension contributions
- Staff discount in-store and online
Why Join WHSmith?
With over 230 years of retail heritage, WHSmith is a trusted brand that\’s constantly evolving. From high streets to travel hubs in over 30 countries, our team of 12,000+ colleagues plays a crucial role in keeping our customers connected, informed, and inspired.
We\’re proud to be an inclusive employer, where individuality is celebrated, and everyone feels welcome to bring their full self to work.
Our UK Travel office, based in buzzing central London (near Liverpool Street), is home to a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial team – ideal for those who thrive outside their comfort zone and want to make a real impact.
Ready to Lead the Category?
If you\’re a driven Buyer with a passion for the world of News and Magazines, apply now and help shape the next chapter at WHSmith.
Buyer (News and Magazines) employer: WHSmith
Contact Detail:
WHSmith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (News and Magazines)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WHSmith and the News & Magazines category. Understand their products, trends, and competitors. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to showcase your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence and refine your approach before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining WHSmith and being part of our vibrant team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (News and Magazines)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the News and Magazines category shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the products and trends in this space.
Be Data-Driven: Since we value analytical skills, make sure to highlight any experience you have with data analysis. We love seeing how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles, so don’t hold back on those numbers!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application for the Buyer role. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key commercial KPIs like sales, margin, and profitability. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions and improve performance.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is crucial in this role, so prepare examples of successful supplier management from your previous experience. Think about specific situations where you improved terms or drove value, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in the News and Magazines sector. Be prepared to discuss what excites you about the current market and how you would curate an assortment that resonates with customers. This shows your passion and insight into the industry.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and creativity. Think about how you would approach category planning or handle a challenging supplier relationship. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
