Buyer (General Merchandise)

Are you an experienced Buyer or Account Manager who is passionate about discovering new and exciting products? 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 Souvenir business   
• Lead category strategies and pricing and promotional plans 

What you’ll be doing:

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

• 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.  
• Testing & learning within our new Gifting & Souvenirs concept store, Curi.o.city
• 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. 

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

What we are looking for:

The successful candidate will have a passion for buying 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, Category Manager, Account Manager or similar.
• Exceptional negotiation skills. 
• Strong commercial acumen, with an analytical mindset, and the ability to interpret data and market information. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain both supplier and senior stakeholder relationships.
• A resilient and results driven mindset with a focus on meeting targets. 
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• Strong customer focus.  
• Global sourcing experience would be beneficial.

How we reward our teams:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Hybrid working (3 days in our Woolloomooloo office)
• Flexible Working
• Our Support Office colleagues benefit from 4pm Friday Finish
• Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday if you work in our Support Office
• Strong commitment to development and internal progression
• A culture and workplace that values wellbeing, inclusion and personal growth
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Access to 24/7 wellbeing support through our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous employee discounts across a range of our products and with our retail partners
• Free barista style coffee available in our renovated Support Office

About us:

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 airports & Hospitals, providing a dynamic and fast paced work environment that is perfect for a driven individual who thrives on a challenge and is ready to kick start their career.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

WHSmith is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment. We recognise the importance of equity in all that we do, as well as promoting a culture of inclusion through our policies, procedures and working practices. If you have any support requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application, so we can assist you appropriately during the recruitment process.

Value our People, Drive for Results, Customer Focus & Accountability.