Merchandising Co-Ordinator (6-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

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 are currently seeking a Merchandising Co-Ordinator to join our International team on a 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract, based at our Aldgate Head Office! In this role, you will focus on the distribution, planning and merchandising that keeps our stores well stocked and looking great.

The international business is increasingly important to WHSmith and has grown to over 250 stores – mostly in international airports – in recent years. Our strategy is to significantly grow profitability through both expanding our store footprint- especially via our franchise model, as well as enhance returns from key existing locations.

What you’ll be doing

• Inventory & Logistics: Manage stock levels, merchandise transfers between warehouses and stores, and maintain accurate inventory data
• Data Analysis: Perform weekly analysis of sales results and availability, and track best-sellers
• Collaboration: Liaise with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams (logistics, retail, merchandising) to support stock throughput, product launches and promotions
• Administration: Support merchandising function with overall business reporting and supplier ordering
• Ensure promotional and new range launches fall with agreed launch & availability and timescales whilst managing the critical path relating to promotions, range reviews and new range launches
• Prepare reports and provide ideas of ways of improvement, innovation and simplification of current processes and reporting

What we are looking for:

• Experience in a Retail or an FMCG environment (preferred, not required)
• Driven, with a key attention-to-detail
• Someone who is inquisitive, and looking for a first role within Merchandising to build a future career in Retail
• Beginner use of Excel, with the ambition to learn (we will provide required training as needed)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross functionally
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
• Someone who is adaptable within a fast paced environment

What’s in it for you?

You’ll be at the heart of a fast-moving, high-growth international function, with the autonomy to shape strategy and make impactful commercial decisions. This is a senior leadership role with real influence—offering the opportunity to drive WHSmith’s continued global expansion while being supported with ongoing development and career progression.

Who we are 

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 11,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. 

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 our European markets.