Senior Buyer - General Merchandise

Soundbyte

Senior Buyer - General Merchandise
Grade D+
Greenbridge Road, Swindon

Job Description

The opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Senior Buyer who has the ability to influence and make things happen. This person will be joining a talented, fast paced team and be an integral part of an ambitious growth plan.

The principal objective of this role is to deliver maximum sales and profitability through determining the offers we make to our customers and successfully managing both the trading activities and profit and loss. The role will report into the Trading Controller and will be focussed on the Technology and Computing category. However there will be a requirement to scope, source and expand into new and upcoming categories.

The Accountabilities

• Select and develop profitable new lines
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiating reductions in costs of goods sold, first to market and supplier incomes.
• Overall effective supply chain and cost management
• Close management of critical paths to deliver ranges domestically and the Far East
• Lead and develop innovative range marketing plans
• Keep abreast of market trends, customer requirements and competitor activity thus identify market opportunities
• Identify & trial new categories outside of Tech & Computing
• Conduct range reviews and undertake continuous improvement of the product offer through effective range analysis
• Create open and effective relationships with stores through regular telephone communication and visits
• Lead cross category and cross function projects to enhance our trading offer
• Lead a high performing team of 2 Assistant Buyers to meet and exceed department objectives

The Requirements for the Role

• You will have previous retail buying experience with a related product to our core categories
• Experience of online trading desirable
• Experience of Far East sourcing and processes
• Strong commercial skills and ability to interpret the market quickly
• Engaging and influential communication
• Exceptional analytical skills and ability to utilise data to back business decisions
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Understanding of Profit and Loss management
• Degree educated or equivalent with a high level of numeracy

Why Join Us?
Whoever joins us always receives ongoing support and exciting career development opportunities. You can also expect a competitive salary and excellent benefits that includes a profit related bonus, 25 days holiday, store discount card and childcare vouchers. It all adds up to a first rate rewards package and the chance make a real impact on the Company's success.
If successful, candidates will be required to obtain a valid passport, undertake a criminal record check and provide 3 years of continuous educational, professional or employment references. Due to the high number of applications we receive, it is with regret that we are unable to respond to all applications and therefore will only contact short listed candidates.
"WHSmith values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the
Community"