Head of European Buying

2 weeks ago

London, Greater London, United Kingdom WHSmith Full time
WHSmith International

Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.

The Role
At WHSmith 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 be creative and trailblazing to do their best work.


The role of the Head of Buying is a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for all areas of planning, strategy, and creative direction for their markets across Europe.

You will have significant influence internally and externally and will be pivotal to delivering the business targets through bold decision making and expert leadership.

What you will be doing

Creating a culture where your team will thrive – providing guidance and coaching to bring out the best in your people within the UK and across Europe.

Having complete P&L oversight of all commercial KPI's across the business and total accountability for your market's delivery within this with a focus on net profitability.

Representing your team to the wider business as an integral member of the senior leadership team.
Taking the lead for the whole commercial team on specific projects and initiatives.
Understand total business strategy & their category's role within it, setting the long-term vision and direction.
Flexing between short term tactical and long-term strategic priorities.
Incorporating an understanding of competitive landscape, markets, customers and formats to execute your strategy.
Influencing cross-functionally to create an environment enabling your team to deliver.
Being ambitious and bold in your thinking, driving change and challenging the status quo.

What we are looking for
Head Of Experience or operating at similar level is essential.
Desired International/European market experience
Strong commercial acumen leading and developing a positive culture.

A bold leader who holds the team accountable and is passionate about delivering best in class results through the team.

Proven experience of leading and developing high performing teams
A strong role model for Commercial across the business.
An individual with excellent influencing skills at all levels.
A compelling voice of the business and category(s) externally (suppliers, landlords), and internally (stakeholders, stores)
Someone who acts as part of a wider senior leadership team.

How we reward our teams
Hybrid Working Model
4pm Friday Finish
25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
Family Friendly Leave
Competitive Pension Contribution
Sharesave Scheme
Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance.
Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
Private Medical
Staff Discount Card for stores and online

About us

Celebrating 230 years, we're proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we're proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life.

As a diverse group of over 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people, and the communities we serve.

WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.

From the United States to Australia, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, we have c. 600 stores outside of the UK, and we are continuing to grow our International Business. Our brand and tailored customer proposition in each location we operate in is synonymous with the travelling experience.

Whether it's hot dogs in Norway, or luxury chocolates in Belgium, our stores look and feel exciting and relevant to each market.

With our ambitious global expansion plans, there's never been a more exciting time to work in WHSmith International

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