Buyer Books

Buyer – Books

Based in Swidon (with hybrid working)

Upto £40,000



We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Buyer to join our talented and award winning Books team based in our High Street Head Office in Swindon. Reporting into the Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for our Books value proposition and special buys category. This category is value adding, footfall driving, and truly incremental. It presents an opportunity for the right candidate to drive sales growth through delivery of an all-year-round gifting proposition across Childrens and Adult book categories. The UK book market is in growth, and WHSmith is growing within it so you will be responsible for developing a range for our customers looking for new and topical products. You will also be responsible for buying seasonal Annual and Guinness World Records



We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is keen to work in a fast-paced environment and will work well in a team. The role requires an exceptional organisation, capability to manage complex information and a diverse supplier base. The successful candidate will have strong project management skills as well as being confident when it comes to presenting data and analysing the figures.



Product development is key as you will be working on new formats as well as buying off the shelf product. You will need to keep abreast of trends and act quickly to maximise opportunities. Book knowledge is preferable but not essential.



The Accountabilities:



Buying responsibility for our Books value proposition and special buys, annuals and Guinness World Records.

Producing and using market and internal data to inform range construction

Developing new product ideas to deliver sales and profit growth

Keeping abreast of market trends and competitor activity in a fast-paced environment, to help identify new opportunities as well as building on our existing offering

Building up strong relationships with suppliers

Negotiating with suppliers on prices, products and timings

Working efficiently and collaboratively with our Merchandising team

Managing the critical path and hitting deadlines

Problem solving

Managing complex supply chains

Delivering meaningful reports, cutting through the information & detail to get to the real issue

Formulating and presenting plans to the senior team to gain sign off for the seasons ahead

Working closely with other areas of the business including stores, commercial planning, marketing and finance team



The Requirements for the Role:

• Previous Buying experience within a Retail/FMCG background
• Experience of Far East supply chains
• Ability to work cross functionally
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Excellent numerical and analytical capability
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills including V lookups and Pivot Tables
• Remain calm under pressure
• Excellent communication and influencing
• The ability to react quickly and make decisions and take action
• Experience of a Merchandising or Distribution role would be very beneficial

What we can offer you:



Cash/Car allowance

Annual bonus based on company performance

Hybrid working model: 2 days from home and 3 days in the Swindon 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 scheme

Staff discount card for stores and online



About Us:

WHSmith is a leading, global travel retailer with a smaller business located on UK high streets. Since 1792, we’ve grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. Today, we have more than 1700 stores in over 30 countries across the globe, serving millions of customers every year, and you’ll find us at airports, railway stations, hospitals and on the high street.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and basis of disability. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage them in particular from individuals from under-represented groups at WH Smith. This includes women and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.

Format of Business

Buying

Full Time / Part Time

Full Time

Position Type

Permanent

Salary From

upto

Salary To

£40,000

Hours / Week

36.25

Country

UK

County

Wiltshire

Job Code / Grade

D

Post Code

SN3 3LR