Assistant Buyer Core Stationery

Funky Pigeon; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Funky Pigeon seeks a proactive Assistant Buyer for their Swindon Support Centre. This role involves collaborating with the Buying Manager on category strategies, analyzing data for performance, and managing supplier relationships. A creative mindset and strong analytical skills are key for success in this role, which embraces a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

4 pm Friday finish

24 days holiday plus your Birthday off

Annual bonus based on performance

Staff discount card for stores and online

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of business, including buying and stock management.
• Data-driven analytical skills.
• Experience in new product development or a creative background.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Buyer in generating ideas to grow sales and margin.
• Manage effective relationships with suppliers.
• Support promotion execution and meet deadlines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Microsoft Excel

Job description

ASSISTANT BUYER – Core Stationery
Based in Swindon (with hybrid working)
At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They go the extra mile for our customers and enable our growth.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a highly creative and proactive Assistant Buyer to join our High Street Stationery team, working in our Support Centre in Swindon. The main purpose of this role is to work alongside the Buying Manager and Buyer, supporting the management and delivery of the category strategy, providing data insights and analysis on range performance, and helping to facilitate promotional plans. You will collaborate with well-known branded suppliers, innovative brands, and our sourcing office to develop a trading plan for this strategic category.
This is a great opportunity to start your buying career, learn, and develop within one of the leading buying teams in the industry.

What you will be doing:

• Assist the Buyer in generating new ideas to grow sales, margin, and supplier income
• Support the management of new and existing projects
• Manage effective relationships with suppliers
• Keep abreast of design and market trends
• Review competitor activity to identify new opportunities and changes to our offerings
• Ensure the smooth running of promotions and meet promotional deadlines
• Support the team on various projects

What we are looking for:

• Basic understanding of business, including buying and stock management
• Analytical skills and a head for figures, as this role is data-driven
• Experience in new product development or a creative background
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of multitasking and meeting deadlines
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to succeed and make an impact
• Good Microsoft Office skills, especially in Excel (pivot tables and VLOOKUPS are advantageous)

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid working model (home and office)
• 4 pm Friday finish
• Flexible working options
• 24 days holiday plus your Birthday off, Bank Holidays, with options to buy extra days
• Family-friendly leave
• Company pension
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive salary
• Staff discount card for stores and online

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, WHSmith has grown into a globally recognized brand present in over 30 countries. With over 12,000 colleagues, we are committed to our planet, people, and communities. Since 1792, we've been the hub of the High Street, offering a wide range of products including stationery, greeting cards, art and craft supplies, newspapers, magazines, books, and drinks. We thrive on pace, collaboration, and innovation, fostering an entrepreneurial culture.

At WHSmith, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We welcome applicants regardless of background, age, disability, gender, race, or other characteristics. We also support flexible working and are happy to accommodate adjustments during the selection process.