Buying Manager

WHSmith; England; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in the UK is seeking a Buying Manager to assume full P&L responsibility for the category. This is an opportunity to lead a team, drive profitability, and influence strategic direction. The ideal candidate will have experience in Buying or Category Management, strong analytical skills, and a passion for coaching teams. The position is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in London.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Buying or Category Management.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Strong collaborative leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team of Buyers.
• Full P&L responsibility for the category.
• Develop annual trade/category planning.
• Shape category strategy and pricing.
• Negotiate supplier deals and manage relationships.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

Team coaching

Job description

Join to apply for the Buying Manager role at WHSmith

Be at the heart of the commercial engine room. Shape the future. Lead with impact.

Are you a commercially driven leader ready to take full ownership of a high-impact role? At WHSmith Aldgate, we’re looking for an experienced Buying Manager to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is more than a buying role – it's a chance to lead from the front, drive profitability, and influence the strategic direction of a trusted high street brand.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead from the front – Develop and inspire a high-performing team of Buyers, coaching them to reach their full potential.
• Own the numbers – Full P&L responsibility for your category. Deliver sales, margin, contribution, income, and manage costs and capex.
• Plan ahead – Lead annual trade/category planning, input into 3-year strategic plans, and develop long-term business outlooks.
• Drive strategy – Shape your category's role within the wider business strategy.
• Price with purpose – Own category pricing, run pricing elasticity trials, and identify commercial opportunities.
• Lead innovation – Design and manage cross-category trials and be the go-to person for complex testing initiatives.
• Own supplier relationships – Negotiate annual deals, cost prices, terms, and marketing investment. Drive income and performance reporting.
• Influence the future – Play a key role in new store format development and innovation.

What we’re looking for:

• A proven commercial leader with Buying or Category Management experience.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and negotiation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• A collaborative leader passionate about coaching and growing teams.

Apply now and make your mark at the core of WHSmith’s commercial success.

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Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Purchasing, Strategy/Planning, and Sales

Industries

Retail