Senior Merchandiser - International

At WHSmith 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 Merchandising team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work.

The Senior Merchandiser will manage the central supply chain team to achieve availability and fulfilment KPIs to drive sales, whilst optimizing the quality of stock within stock budget.

What you will be doing:

• Supporting the merchandiser with managing the range change process and critical path
• Supporting the merchandiser with range planning and analysis, optimized source of supply model, attending range build meetings and managing the range size within agreed parameters
• Exit, Quality of Stock, recall management and day to day ordering of stock
• Ensuring KPIs are delivered through effective leadership and monitor/report weekly on team
• Supporting Trading team with rebate targets and landing income deals
• Accountability for DC to store availability driven through store replen model. Authorizing the sign off for store replen changes (OUL).
• Managing supplier relationships
• Escalation point for team challenges
• Cross-functional working to deliver business objectives and priorities
• Continually driving the optimization of current processes in a changing trading environment to ensure team are best equipped. Influencing process change across wider merchandising team
• Reacting to trade performance and driving actions within the team
• Influencing senior stakeholders
• Preparing and presenting monthly presentation to exec team on stock vs agreed budgets, stock quality, provision/ short-dated stock risks and exit issues and driving actions to deliver results in hitting KPI’s.
• Ensuring stock spend is controlled within agreed target and escalating challenges or constraints to Head of Merchandising
• Managing and signing off category stock and waste budgets
• Supporting with DC and logistics volume planning for intake and picking
• Coaching and guidance of team to support implementation of departmental strategy.
• Deputising for Head of Merchandising

What we are looking for:

• Experience in a merchandiser role covering several categories with a strong understanding of retail supply chain – essential
• Highly analytical and numerate with strong attention to detail
• Have a great personal impact with the ability to lead, influence and coach the team
• Resilient with the capability to handle conflict / difficult situations with the ability to remain calm under pressure and be adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to successfully negotiate whilst maintaining relationships.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Competitive Pension Contribution
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Staff Discount Card for 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.

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!