Our client has an exciting 12-month contract opportunity for an experienced and highly focused Confectionery Buyer to join the team to help drive the business forward.
The role will require current experience in the FMCG confectionery space, you will be ready to apply your skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where even small wins are tracked and rewarded. This is a highly commercial role but also one that requires a "hands-on" approach and meticulous attention to detail.
About our client
WHSmith is one of the world's high street, travel, and convenience retail icons. UK owned and with over 1500 stores across 31 countries, this business has gone from strength to strength in the post-COVID era and has now cemented its place as a staple of train stations or airports globally. No doubt you've stopped in for a book, a drink, or a snack on your travels!
About the role
The role itself needs a highly competent, resilient individual who has strong background in FMCG buying, specifically experience in Confectionery and strong commercial acumen.
You will have a demonstrated ability to manage and execute successful supplier income relationships, trading strategies, experience in implementing proactive merchandise plans and a solid understanding of the total retail landscape.
Other responsibilities will include:
Category building - execute the end-to-end critical path, translate customer insights into the architecture, and work collaboratively with Stock and Planning to ensure framework achieves financial KPI's.
Trade - identify opportunities and implement actions derived through trade analysis, and leverage customer insights and data to optimise sales.
Supplier relationship management - actively identify and onboard new supplier partners that will deliver on the strategy, quality, and operational capability criteria. Ongoing positive management of these relationships is vital.
WHSmith Values - contribute to a high-performing and engaged culture through collaboration with your peers and all other internal stakeholders. Being passionate about what you do whilst also embracing the company vision and values within the team and across the global organisation.
About you
You will have gained tertiary qualifications in Commerce, Business, Retail, or similar, and possess a keen analytical mind.
You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to clearly articulate your business strategy, liaise with and drive performance from suppliers, and foster collaboration within your team.
You will possess a 'trader mindset' and have the resilience and flexibility to change course swiftly.
What's on offer?
An attractive package is available for the right individual.
You must have the right to live and work in this location to apply for this job.
This is a retained and exclusive process; all third-party and direct applications will be forwarded to Oceans Group for consideration. No speculative CVs from any other recruitment agencies will be considered
