Buyer - Health & Beauty

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.

GRADE D

At WHSmith Europe 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 Commercial team is passionate about creating an environment where people can think creatively, act boldly and do their very best work. We’re looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Buyer to join our Health & Beauty team. You’ll take ownership of specific Healthcare and Cosmetics subcategories, driving sales, profit, and income targets while delivering the right product ranges for our customers. You’ll play a key role in shaping the category strategy, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring excellent in-store execution. Collaboration will be central to your success — you’ll work closely with fellow Health & Beauty buyers, as well as colleagues in Merchandising, Marketing, Space & Format to maximise performance across the category.

What you will be doing: • Deliver sales, profit and income targets for assigned Healthcare and Cosmetics subcategories. • Manage supplier relationships to optimise trading terms and ensure long-term partnerships. • Develop and implement subcategory strategies aligned with overall Health & Beauty objectives. • Review and analyse sales performance, identifying opportunities to drive growth and improve margin. • Work collaboratively with Merchandising, Marketing and Space & Format teams to execute compelling in-store and promotional plans. • Negotiate supplier funding and promotional support to deliver income targets. • Keep abreast of market trends and customer insights to inform buying decisions and innovation.

What we are looking for: • Proven buying experience within retail, ideally within Health, Beauty or related FMCG categories. • Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales and margin growth. • Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills. • Analytical, detail-oriented, and confident in using data to drive decisions. • A team player who enjoys working cross-functionally to deliver results. • Passionate about the Health & Beauty sector and keen to stay ahead of trends.

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 • Company Pension scheme • Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance • Competitive Salary and Car Allowance • Private Medical • Cycle to work scheme • Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)

About us: Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces. For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location. 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!