At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers and are the ones that enable our growth. As our Commercial Trade Planner, you’ll oversee the annual calendar of events and work cross functionally to deliver and execute supplier campaigns and product changes in our stores.

What you will be doing:

• Developing the annual calendar of events that deliver our income and sales targets
• Using customer and competitor insights to plan the calendar
• Constantly reviewing data to determine your future plans and ensure the activity meets the income and sales target expectations
• Collaborating with buying teams to ensure our plans align to the customer plan and overall business strategy
• Working with key stakeholders across the business to ensure the critical path, governance and sign off processes are followed
• Land campaigns and activities in store right first time by developing compliance and accuracy reporting
• Escalating issues to senior leadership and ensuring communication is clear
• Managing specific projects that enhance our trade planning activity for example new space, kit or other assets in stores
• Constantly finding ways to improve the trade planning and range review processes

Who we are looking for:

You’re passionate about brand and products, and delivering results through collaboration, organisation and creativity. You bring:

• Proven experience in managing processes, critical paths or project management
• A strong understanding of how to drive sales and income through brand and product activations
• Strong planning and organisation skills – and confidence using Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels
• A self-starting attitude with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative team player who thrives on sharing best practice
• High level of analytical skill and strong commercial acumen

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• 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!