Buyer (General Merchandise)

Are you a Buyer or Category Manager who is passionate about discovering new and exciting products across General Merchandise categories? We’re looking for a Buyer who’s ready to take that next step in the exciting world of travel retail! 

• Exciting opportunity to join a global travel retail brand with a vibrant culture and a focus on developing its people 

• Influence, manage and negotiate key contracts within our General Merchandise business  

• Lead category strategies and pricing and promotional plans 

About WHSmith Australia 

WHSmith is an iconic British retailer with proud Australian operations, at the heart of travel, offering books, news and essentials, designed for life on the move. Our diverse retail brands include WHSmith Retail, InMotion, Kids Stop and The Book Cellar, each dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences.  

Our stores are located in some of Australia’s busiest and most exciting airports, providing a dynamic and fast paced work environment that is perfect for driven individuals who thrive on a challenge and are ready to grow their Buying career in a truly unique retail setting. When you join WHSmith, you will have the chance to be part of an outstanding work environment at a purpose and values driven company that invests in its people through ongoing training and development. 

This role is based in our WHSmith Australia Support Office in Woolloomooloo (10-minute walk from Town Hall station).  

How You’ll Make an Impact 

As a Buyer at WHSmith Australia, you will be responsible for ranging, buying, and managing product categories within the General Merchandise Buying team, ensuring our offering is innovative, customer led and commercially successful.  

This is a great opportunity which will allow you to have the autonomy to come up with and implement category strategies and implement change.  

A Day In Your Life Could Look Like 

• Sourcing and developing supplier relationships so that WHSmith’s opportunity to buy the right products at the right price at the right time are maximised. 

• Growing and developing new areas of business identified as strategic growth opportunities.  

• Identifying market trends by researching product history, supplier information, current trends, and competitor activity. 

• Analysing historical statistical data by reviewing sales, profit, stock-turn, markdowns, by colour, subclass, and supplier performance. 

• Conducting regular financial analysis of sales, margins, stock levels and markdowns and revaluate merchandise plan accordingly. 

• Identifying opportunities to grow rebates across the category.  

• Maintaining collaborative relationships with stores through regular visits. 

What You’ll Need To Succeed 

The successful candidate will have a passion for buying within General Merchandise categories and will be committed to helping our business grow and succeed.  

You will have an analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and translate that into meaningful commercial results. This is a fast-paced and dynamic environment but one with a strong team culture. 

The following qualities are essential: 

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Category Manager, preferably with experience across general merchandise.

• Exceptional negotiation skills. 

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market information. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships.  

• A results driven mindset with a focus on meeting targets. 

• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

• Strong customer focus.  

What’s In It For You? 

• Competitive salary and annual bonus. 

• Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday! 

• Access to 24/7 wellbeing support through our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

• Learn from experienced professionals and gain exposure to real business challenges. 

• Finish at 4pm on Fridays. 

• Hybrid working arrangement.  

• Access to online learning and development resources.  

• Generous employee discounts across a range of our products and with our retail partners. 

• Inclusive and accessible workplace with access to wellbeing room. 

• Free barista style coffee available in our renovated Support Office.  

We’re committed to helping you build a strong foundation for your career. If you’re ready to take the next step apply now! 

 
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

WHSmith is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment. We recognise the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do, and we actively promote a culture of belonging through our policies, procedures, and working practices. If you have any support requirements, please let us know at the time of your application so we can assist you appropriately during the recruitment process. 

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.