Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

Buying Assistant
WHSmith Travel London EC3A

The Opportunity
From the United States to Australia, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, we have c. 600 stores outside of the UK, and we are continuing to grow our international business. Our brand and tailored customer proposition in each location we operate in is synonymous with the travelling experience. Whether it’s hot dogs in Norway or luxury chocolates in Belgium, our stores look and feel exciting and relevant to each market. With our ambitious global expansion plans, there’s never been a more exciting time to work in our European markets.

With the continued growth of our International Business, we are now recruiting for a Buying Assistant to join our UK Buying team. This role will provide a broad range of support to the team including the setting up and maintenance of products and promotions in our systems and liaising with Head Office and stores.

The Accountabilities

• Assisting the buyer with the selection of the right product mix and supplier base.
• Researching new suppliers and make recommendations to the buyer.
• Supporting the Buying Managers by compiling reports on product performance and statistics.
• Setting up new lines bought by the Buyer and ensuring product file integrity
• Ensuring the business complies with pricing legislation
• Providing daily and weekly data to drive performance
• Providing weekly Purchase Worklist data for replenishment ordering
• Ensuring all new suppliers are set up with appropriate lead time
• Supporting the category performance with range analysis/space analysis where appropriate
• Maintenance of supplier files/tracking of supplier annual agreements
• Liaising with suppliers on range details where appropriate
• Raising country-specific orders and send them directly to international suppliers, reviewing stock and sales positions
• Managing supplier promotional funding invoicing process
• Handling queries on variances between supplier invoices and systems pricing
• Promotional reporting

The Requirements for the Role

• A keen interest in retail, specifically in buying
• High attention to detail and the ability to pick up systems and processes quickly.
• Unafraid to identify the right person and ask for help
• High desire to succeed and take pride in own work
• Numerate and analytical
• Intermediate Excel with a good knowledge of Microsoft programmes (including Pivot tables and Vlookups)
• Strong planning and self-organisational skills and the ability to cope well under pressure
• Strong interpersonal skills – must be approachable, friendly and professional – this role connects the main office in the UK.
• Educated to at least leaving certificate or equivalent

How we reward our teams

• Hybrid working model
• 4pm Friday finish
• Flexible Working
• Competitive Salary
• 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
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Staff Discount Card in stores and online

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 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.
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.

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.

Buying

Full Time

Permanent

competitive

competitive

36.25

UK

Greater London

B

ec3a7bx

Commercial (Travel)