Buyer (Snacking)

Whsmithcareers; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking a Buyer for their Snacking category based in London. This role involves driving sales and profitability while managing supplier relationships and developing a compelling product assortment for their travel estate. Candidates should have strong commercial acumen, numerical skills, and experience in fast-paced environments. The role offers a competitive rewards package including hybrid working, flexible hours, and a generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

Flexible working, including a 4pm finish on Fridays

24 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with options to buy more

Competitive pension contribution

Annual bonus linked to performance

Qualifications

• Previous buying or relevant commercial experience required.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders required.
• Experience in fast-paced environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver sales and profit targets for the category.
• Develop a customer-focused assortment aligned with commercial goals.
• Lead supplier negotiations and manage long-term relationships.
• Define pricing and promotional strategies.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Numerical and analytical skills

Confident negotiation skills

Supplier management experience

Resilience and adaptability

Proactive mindset

Strong IT skills (Excel & PowerPoint)

Collaborative team player

Job description

Buyer – Snacking

Based in Aldgate, London (3 days a week)

At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They’re the ones who go the extra mile for our customers and help drive our growth. That’s why our Commercial team is passionate about creating an environment where people can think creatively, act boldly and do their very best work.

We’re now looking for a Buyer – Snacking to join our fast‑paced UK Travel team. This is a high‑impact role where you’ll take full ownership of a complex, high‑volume category, with the autonomy to shape strategy and deliver commercial success across all WHSmith formats.

The Role

As Buyer, you’ll be the key decision‑maker for your category, driving sales, profitability, and innovation. You’ll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to build a compelling, customer‑led snacking offer that performs across our travel estate.

Key responsibilities include:

• Owning and delivering sales and profit targets for your category
• Curating the optimal customer‑focused assortment to meet commercial goals
• Developing and delivering a robust category and trade plan aligned to the wider business strategy
• Creating a strong pipeline of value‑driving initiatives to accelerate growth
• Leading supplier negotiations and managing long‑term supplier relationships
• Defining pricing and promotional strategies
• Sourcing and developing products and suppliers in line with category strategy
• Delivering projects and trials with cross‑functional teams
• Contributing to the annual budget and forecasting process

About You

You’ll be a commercially driven buyer who thrives in a fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys owning decisions from end to end.

We’re looking for:

• Previous buying or relevant commercial experience
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent numerical and analytical skills
• Confident negotiation skills and supplier management experience
• The ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast‑paced environment
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and PowerPoint
• A collaborative team player with a passion for delivering results

What’s in it for you?

We offer a competitive reward package designed to support both your career and wellbeing, including:

• Hybrid working model
• Flexible working, including a 4pm finish on Fridays
• 24 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and the option to buy more
• Competitive pension contribution
• Annual bonus linked to company and personal performance

About WHSmith

With over 230 years of history, WHSmith is a globally recognised brand operating in more than 30 countries. Trusted by millions of customers, we’re proud of our journey and committed to building a better business for our people, our communities, and our planet.

Our head office, located near Aldgate Station, is home to an ambitious, collaborative, and innovative team. We thrive on pace, autonomy, and fresh thinking—making it a great place for people who enjoy stepping outside their comfort zone. WHSmith is proud to be an inclusive employer, where everyone is encouraged to be themselves and feel they truly belong.