Buyer

**Join our Sydney Support Office team as a **Retail** **Souvenir and Gift**s** Buyer**:

- Work from home 2 set days per week
- Convenient office location in Woolloomooloo (close to public transport)
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience

**About WHSmith Australia**:
WHSmith is a historic British retailer focusing on news, books and convenience, and we are proud to bring our expertise to our Australian operations. Our stores are located in some of the busiest and most exciting airports in the country, providing a dynamic and fast-paced work environment that is perfect for driven individuals who thrive on a challenge.

At WHSmith, we believe in creating a positive work environment where our team members feel valued and supported. We foster a culture of learning and growth, where everyone has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers.

**About the Position**:
As a Souvenir & Gifts Buyer at WHSmith Australia, you will be responsible for local souvenir sourcing, buying the cards, gifts & stationery ranges and taking ownership of the day-to-day operations and growth of the categories. Your role will be responsible for buying merchandise that meets the needs of our customers within the challenging travel retail market.

Other key responsibilities include:

- Buying merchandise at prices that maximise gross profit and achieve profit budgets, whilst maintaining the organisation as a competitive retailer in the market.
- Sourcing and developing supplier relationships so that the organisation’s opportunities to buy the right merchandise at the right price at the right time are maximised.
- Identify market trends by researching, product history, supplier information, current trends and competitor activity.
- Defining the parameters of range to specified organisation standards including volume, visual impact, national versus store brand, price and quality.
- Developing a range of products to ensure they complement the overall company buying strategy. This includes consideration of price points, packaging/presentation, pack size and break up, and any geographical consideration.
- Analysis of historical statistical data by reviewing sales, profit, stock-turn, markdowns, by colour, subclass and supplier performance.
- Reviewing of lost opportunities in relation to sales, i.e. supplier accountability on DIFOT, competitor activity and seasonal changes.
- Conducting regular analysis of sales, margins, stock levels and markdowns and revaluate merchandise plan accordingly.
- Maintain open relationships with stores through regular visits and phone calls.
- Manage 2 direct reports as an influential leader.

The following qualities are also essential:

- At least 3 years of experience in a similar role
- Minimum 5 years buying experience in souvenir and gifts
- Knowledge of souvenir/gifts/stationery products and understanding of market trends
- Ability to manage commercial innovation alongside strong business acumen
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders
- High energy with a passion for buying
- Ability to multi-task and work to deadlines
- Customer Focus
- Excellent analytical skills
- Engaging and influential communication style
- Excellent time management skills