Our client has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly focused Buying & Merchandise Director to come onboard to evolve and drive the business forward.
Reporting to the Managing Director, this role has full responsibility and accountability for the entire trading function across all categories. The output being the delivery of the overall company strategy, vision and financial outcomes. This is a highly commercial role but also one that requires a "hands-on" approach and meticulous attention to both the numbers and the detail.
About our client
WHSmith is one of the world's high street, travel and convenience retail icons. UK owned and with over 1,500 stores across 31 countries, this business is one of absolute financial security as the market recognises the strength and robustness of the business model and the travel market to withstand Covid and beyond.
In Australia, WHSmith focuses on retail in travel locations, namely airports and train stations - a model which is unlikely to be impacted by the remaining growing online market. Providing a secure and robust working environment. Growth will either be organic through the improved range, supplier terms and/or sales, or by new business tender wins in new locations. All of which this position will have a direct contribution to, and responsibility for.
About the role
The role itself needs a highly competent induvial who has mature thinking, commercial acumen, vast trading experience (preferably in FMCG but not essential), knows retail inside out, but also is prepared to get into the detail. Productive trade conversations internally and externally will be the key to your success also - as your insights will inform key decision making. Supplier relationships are key, so fostering productive and meaningful partnerships is vital.
Other responsibilities will include:
Range Building - execute the end-to-end critical path, translate customer insights into 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 - create a high performing and engaged culture through leading, coaching and developing your people. Naturally, you will have the leadership qualities needed to embrace the company vision, strategy, and values within the team and across the global organisation
About you
The ideal candidate will have a tertiary qualification in Commerce, Business or Retail with at experience in senior/executive level roles across the entire buying and merchandise planning spectrum, preferably in a FMCG or specialty retail environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead a supplier and trading strategy is essential, as is experience in implementing merchandise strategies, with solid understanding of the total retail landscape and excellent stakeholder engagement skills. This role requires someone with a track record of success at this level and who can hit the ground running.
What's on offer?
An attractive package is available for the right individual.
To apply, please submit your CV, along with your current salary breakdown and your anticipated salary expectations.
You must have the right to live and work in this location to apply for this job.
We are also inviting Australian citizens presently working overseas and who are appropriately qualified for this role, to also apply.
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.
