Buyer - Drinks

Job Description
An excellent opportunity for someone who already has some buying experience who is looking to develop these skills further.
Buyer - Drinks
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, innovative in order to do their best work. As a Buyer (Grade D), you will drive the commercial performance of your category across all our formats. This role will be managing a category with scale and complexity, so you will need to have previous relevant commercial experience. You will be the key decision maker with the autonomy to deliver your category strategy.
Who we are
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 11,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
For UK Travel our mission is simple - to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our 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 at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.
What you’ll do
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 engagement
Contribute to the annual budget building process
Who you are
Previous buying/commercial experience – necessary
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
Reports to Buying Manager
Level Mid-Senior Level (Grade D)
Location London - Houndsditch Office
Benefits-Competitive salary and car allowance
Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
Hybrid working model from home and in the office
25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
Finish at 4pm on a Friday
Competitive pension contribution
Staff discount card for stores and online
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