Senior Procurement Buyer

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.

We now have an exciting opportunity for aSenior Procurement Buyer to join our Group Procurement team at our Support Centre in Swindon.

The main purpose of a Senior Procurement Buyer is to deliver high standards by effectively consulting, influencing internally and externally to implement and deliver effective procurement strategies optimising total value across the wider group. Reporting into the Senior Procurement Manager you will provide category expertise to the business, working as part of the Group Procurement Indirect team (GNFR) Goods Not For Resale.

What you will be doing

Rationalising and developing the supplier base

Planning and organising categories tactically and strategically to incorporate UK, European and International sourcing strategies

Optimising total value liaising with stakeholders/ budget holders to ensure goals and targets fully understood and facilitated by effective procurement delivery

Managing end to end the tender process (RFI/RFP)

Supporting the regular contract review process, always challenging the status quo

Leading small projects and contract negotiations / renewals

Supporting tender and negotiations for medium and large contracts

Supporting agile procurement of small capital items to tight deadlines

Delivering cost reduction, risk mitigation and control of annual category spend across WHS

Providing commercial, contractual and negotiation support to stakeholders throughout the business

Managing contractual relationships with suppliers during the contracting process

What we are looking for

At least 3 years prior experience in a procurement background with similar accountabilities

Indirect category experience preferable

Strong commercial acumen essential with the ability to prioritise, work under pressure and operate to tight deadlines

Analysis and high level of attention to detail

Commercial contract and negotiation skills

Contract Law and contract drafting experience

Influencing skills at all levels with the ability to establish strong working relationships internally and externally at all levels of the business

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Intermediate/Advanced level capability in using Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Teams

How we reward our teams

Hybrid working model from home and in the office

4pm Friday finish

Flexible Working

24 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday

Family friendly leave

Company pension

Sharesave Scheme

Annual Bonus based on company and Personal Performance

Competitive salary

Staff discount card for stores and online

About us
Celebrating 230 years, were proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and were 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 have occupied our place as the Hub of the High Street and in our customers hearts since 1792. Across our diverse estate of c.525 stores on UK high streets, with our wide-ranging store sizes and formats, we sell a large range of products including stationery, greeting cards, art and craft, newspapers, magazines, books and drinks. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture.

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