Head of Buying
PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.
GRADE E
At WHSmith Europe 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 think creatively, act boldly and do their very best work.
The Head of Buying is a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for all areas of planning, strategy and creative direction for their department. You will have significant influence internally and externally and will be pivotal to delivering the business targets through bold decision making and expert leadership.
What you will be doing:
Create a culture where your team will thrive – providing guidance and coaching to bring out the best in your people
Have complete P&L oversight of all commercial KPI’s across the business and total accountability for your department’s delivery within this with a focus on net profitability
You will represent your team to the wider business as an integral member of the senior leadership team
Take the lead for the whole commercial team on specific projects and initiatives
Understand total business strategy & their category's role within it, setting the long-term vision and direction
Flex between short-term tactical and long-term strategic priorities
Incorporate an understanding of competitive landscape, markets, customers and formats to execute your strategy
Influence cross-functionally to create an environment enabling your team to deliver
Be ambitious and bold in your thinking, driving change and challenging the status quo
What we are looking for:
You are recognized for your commercial acumen with a variety of senior level experience
A bold leader who holds the team accountable and is passionate about delivering best in class results through the team
Proven experience of leading and developing high performing teams
A strong role model for Commercial across the business
An individual with excellent influencing skills at all levels
Is a compelling voice of the business and category(s) externally (suppliers, landlords), and internally (stakeholders, stores)
Acts as part of a wider senior leadership team
Leads and develops a positive culture
Has a passion for Food
How we reward our teams:
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
About us:
Celebrating over 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 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
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.
At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!