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 Trading team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Buying Manager to join our High Street Greeting Cards Trading team at our Support Centre in Swindon. The Greetings Card category is worth over £40m in the High St Business and delivers a remarkably high profit margin, making it one of the most important categories in the business. It is a complex area demanding high levels of commercial understanding, alongside close and careful supplier relationship management.
The main purpose of a Buying Manager is to lead and drive the commercial agenda. You will have full accountability and an opportunity to shape the future of the business through your team of buyers.
What you will be doing:
- Developing and leading a high performing team – providing guidance and coaching to bring out the best in your people.
- Complete P&L ownership of the budget for your category with a focus on net profitability. Budgets for sales/contribution/margin, costs, capex, income.
- Understanding the total business strategy & your category's role within it. Ownership of annual trade/category plan process. Full involvement in origination, trialling and development of ‘3-year-plan' ideas.
- Review of longer trading outlook (6 months+), mitigation plans to hand (Plan B's), and engagement with wider business on developing trends.
- Managing your own category pricing including development of pricing elasticity trials where appropriate.
- Managing detailed and complex trials and trials that cross beyond your own category, be the cross functional 'go to' for category/department.
- Full ownership for department supplier income delivery & responsibility for reporting performance across business. Management of month-end processes.
- Having a long-term supplier strategy in place covering annual deals, payment terms, cost prices, marketing spend and conduct regular grow/hold/decline reviews.
- Engaging in and leadership of new store format development.
What we are looking for:
- You will have strong experience within relevant buying or commercial roles, ideally from the Greetings Cards industry.
- A bold leader who holds the team accountable for category strategies and is passionate about delivering best in class results through the team.
- Understands the importance and takes a proactive approach to the development of wider trading team members.
- Takes an interest in longer term resource management (succession planning etc.).
- An individual who has the ability to work cross-functionally to deliver results.
- Strong business acumen.
- Is a compelling voice of the business and category(s) externally (suppliers, landlords), and internally (stakeholders, stores).
- Leads and develops a positive culture.
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.
- Sharesave Scheme.
- Annual Bonus based on company and Personal Performance.
- Competitive salary plus car allowance.
- Private Medical.
- Staff discount card for stores and online.
Celebrating over 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 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
WHSmith have occupied our place as the Hub of the High Street and in our customers’ hearts since 1792. Across our diverse estate of over 500 stores on UK high streets, with our wide-ranging store sizes and formats, we sell a large range of products including stationery, greeting cards, art and craft, newspapers, magazines, books and drinks. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture.
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Business Development and Purchasing
Industries: Retail
Buying Manager Greetings Cards in Swindon employer: WHSmith
WHSmith is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, fostering a creative and collaborative work environment in Swindon. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers a hybrid working model, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for personal development within a diverse and inclusive culture. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and accountability while shaping the future of the Greetings Cards category.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager Greetings Cards in Swindon
✨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.
✨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!
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WHSmith. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
