Buyer – News & Magazines

Location: London (Hybrid)Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus

At WHSmith, our people are the heart of everything we do. They’re the ones who go the extra mile for our customers, drive innovation, and shape the future of our business. That’s why within our Commercial team, we’ve created an environment where creativity, autonomy, and bold thinking are not only encouraged but essential.

We’re currently looking for a passionate and commercially savvy Buyer to take the reins of our News & Magazines category – a high-profile and fast-moving area of the business. If you’ve got the experience and ambition to deliver real impact, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Buyer, you’ll lead the performance of your category across all WHSmith formats, making key decisions that directly impact sales and profitability. You’ll have full autonomy to develop and execute your category strategy – curating the right product assortment, driving commercial initiatives, and owning supplier relationships.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering and tracking against key commercial KPIs – sales, margin, profitability
• Building a winning assortment that excites customers and drives results
• Leading category planning in line with broader business strategy
• Developing and delivering pricing, promotion, and trade plans
• Managing and negotiating with suppliers, improving terms and driving value
• Delivering category-led projects and cross-functional initiatives
• Supporting the annual budgeting and forecasting process

What We’re Looking For

We’re after someone who brings both the commercial edge and the creative spark – someone who’s just as confident analysing data as they are building supplier relationships or launching new products.

You’ll need:

• Proven experience in a commercial or buying role (ideally in a complex, fast-paced environment)
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action
• A customer-first mindset with a passion for products and trends
• Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive attitude
• Confident stakeholder management and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint

What You’ll Get in Return

We believe in rewarding great work and giving our teams the tools and freedom to thrive. When you join us, you’ll enjoy:

• Hybrid Working – 2-3 days a week in our vibrant central London office
• Flexible Hours with a 4pm Friday finish
• 25 days holiday, your birthday off, plus bank holidays – with the option to buy more
• Annual bonus based on personal and company performance
• Car allowance and private medical cover (Grade D and above)
• Sharesave scheme and competitive pension contributions
• Staff discount in-store and online

Why Join WHSmith?

With over 230 years of retail heritage, WHSmith is a trusted brand that’s constantly evolving. From high streets to travel hubs in over 30 countries, our team of 12,000+ colleagues plays a crucial role in keeping our customers connected, informed, and inspired.

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, where individuality is celebrated, and everyone feels welcome to bring their full self to work.

Our UK Travel office, based in buzzing central London (near Liverpool Street), is home to a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial team – ideal for those who thrive outside their comfort zone and want to make a real impact.

Ready to Lead the Category?

If you’re a driven Buyer with a passion for the world of News and Magazines, apply now and help shape the next chapter at WHSmith.