Buyer - Health and Beauty

Funky Pigeon; Aldgate; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Buyer to enhance the commercial performance of their category. This role involves strategic decision-making, supplier management, and delivering on key commercial KPIs. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and experience in a fast-paced environment. The company promotes a flexible working model and values inclusivity.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

4pm Friday finish

Flexible Working

Competitive Salary and Annual Bonus

24 days holiday plus your Birthday off

Family Friendly Leave

Competitive Pension Contribution

Sharesave Scheme

Staff Discount Card

Qualifications

• Previous buying/commercial experience desirable.
• Strong numeracy skills and ability to analyse data.

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial performance of category across all formats.
• Negotiate with and manage the supplier base.
• Define pricing and promotional strategy for the category.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Commercial Acumen

Data Analysis

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Role 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 in order to do their best work.

As a Buyer (Grade C), you will drive the commercial performance of your category across all our formats. You will be the key decision maker with the autonomy to deliver your category strategy.

What you will be doing

• Deliver and track against the key commercial KPI’s of sales and profitability
• Curate the optimum assortment for our customers that delivers on all of our commercial targets
• Generate a continuous pipeline of value creating initiatives to deliver sales and profitability
• Be responsible for the category and trade plan that aligns to the overarching business plan
• Negotiate with and manage the supplier base, including a clear supplier strategy and the ongoing maintenance/improvement of terms
• Define the pricing and promotional strategy for the category
• Product/supplier sourcing & development in line with strategy
• Deliver projects and trials within your own area with cross functional engagementContribute to the annual budget building process

What we are looking for

• Previous buying/commercial experience – desirable
• Computer literate - experience using Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
• 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

How we reward our teams

• Hybrid working model
• 4pm Friday finish
• Flexible Working
• Competitive Salary and Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• 24 days holiday, plus your Birthday off and an opportunity to buy up to 26 extra days leave
• Family Friendly Leave
• Competitive Pension Contribution
• Sharesave Scheme
• Staff Discount Card in stores and online

About usCelebrating 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.

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!