Buyer - Coffee and Drinks

Whsmith; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global retailer in London is seeking an experienced professional for a drinks buying role. You will lead the buying of foodservice drinks, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate has prior experience in procurement within the food industry and is skilled in stakeholder management and negotiation. This position offers opportunities for flexible working arrangements and a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Previous buying/procurement/commercial experience within the food industry – preferred.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading the buying of food service drinks and managing supplier relationships.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety and sustainability standards.
• Monitoring category budgets and recommending corrective actions.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Commercial acumen

Numeracy

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

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 Commercial team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing to do their best work.

What you will be doing

Drinks Buying:

• Leading the buying of foodservice drinks including hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate), drinks ingredients (syrups, milk etc) and managing relationships with relevant drinks suppliers.
• Collaborating with wider food service team, operations, health & safety, and group procurement teams to ensure products align with operational needs, food safety standards, and brand guidelines.
• Identifying and delivering cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or sustainability targets.
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and negotiating favourable commercial terms.
• Conducting regular supplier performance reviews and monitor KPIs (cost, delivery, service quality).

Sustainability & Compliance:

• Ensuring all consumables comply with food safety, hygiene regulations, and environmental policies.
• Driving commercial decisions that support waste reduction and sustainable sourcing (e.g., compostable packaging, low-energy vending units).

Budgeting & Reporting:

• Monitoring spend against category budgets, analyse variances, and recommend corrective actions.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Liaising with operations, food safety, maintenance and merchandising to ensure product and equipment is available, compliant, and fit for purpose.
• Supporting store openings, refurbishments, and new concept rollouts with consumables and vending provisioning.

What we are looking for

• Previous buying/procurement/commercial experience within the food industry – preferred
• Computer literate - experience using Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint essential)
• Great stakeholder management with the ability to communicate and influence effectively
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Strong commercial acumen
• Negotiation knowledge and skills
• Strong numeracy skills and ability to analyse data
• Ability to demonstrate problem solving skills
• Proactive and resourceful
• Great team player

About us

Celebrating 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 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

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!