WHSmith Job Vacancies

If you have bought a newspaper, stationary or a book or DVD lately the chances are you visited a WHSmith Store. WHSmith is the UK’s largest newsagent chain with a presence of around 550 high street stores and a further 400 stores based in railway stations, airports, hospitals and service stations. With such a presence it is perhaps little surprise that WHSmith is one of the leading employers within the retail sector.

WHSmith has seen success in recent months, with financial reports suggesting it is bucking the current economic trend. With continued success, WHSmith is recruiting new staff to share in its growth.

WHSmith has a number of exciting job vacancies open for application at any one time. There are plenty of job vacancies at store level and with stores located right across the UK it is possible vacancies exist in areas close to you. WHSmith head office job vacancies are available in both head office locations, Swindon and Central London.

WHSmith Store Level Job Vacancies

There are a variety of positions within each WHSmith store, from part time store assistants to full time store manager and everything in between. WHSmith is a great employer if you are searching not only for full time work but also part time, temporary or seasonal employment. A number of staff are employed to work weekends only and these vacancies are very popular with students. Part time shifts are available, particularly in stores with extended opening hours. In the build up to the busy Christmas trading period WHSmith recruit a large number of temporary employees to help permanent staff members cope with increases in demand.

Sales Assistant Job Vacancies

WHSmith Sales Assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks within the store. From working on the tills to replenishing stock on the shelves, Sale Assistants are always expected to deliver quality customer service. Vacancies for Sales Assistants are advertised in each store, so if you would like to work for WHSmith at this level you should pay regular visits to your local store and consult with the Manager or Supervisor for details.

Bureau de Change Job Vacancies

A number of WHSmith stores have an in store Bureau de Change and vacancies exist for candidates with previous Bureau de Change experience. This experience is required because the successful applicant will be responsible for effectively managing this business and will be targeted with maximising sales, ensuring accurate currency stock holding and adhering to all relevant safety procedures.

Supervisor Job Vacancies

Supervisors form a critical part of the in store management team and depending on store size can be placed in direct charge of a certain department or product area. The successful applicant will become the champion of this product area and will be responsible for maximising sales, accurate stock holding and the management of personnel within this department. Training is provided for all WHSmith supervisors and there is real opportunity to develop your career internally with WHSmith with the hope of becoming Store Manager.

Store Manager Job Vacancies

Store Managers are sought to run a variety of outlets, from small railway station newsagents, to large flagship high street outlets carrying a full array of stock. WHSmith will only recruit experienced managers, with a proven track record in the retail industry. It also has a track record of recruiting from within, promoting successful Supervisors and Assistant Store Managers. The Store Manager is responsible for driving the success of their store forward and must be hands on in order to maximise sales and motivate their team of staff. All new store managers are trained through the WHSmith Store Manager Designate Programme to ensure they have all the necessary skills and business understanding before taking charge of their store.

Details of job vacancies for Bureau de Change, Supervisor and Store Manager positions can be found on the WHSmith website. You can apply for suitable vacancies online, or you can request an application pack and apply by post.

WH Smith Head Office Job Vacancies

WHSmith have two Head Office locations.

Swindon Head Office – The Swindon Head Office is responsible for WHSmith retail (high street) and WHSmith online.
 
London Head Office – The London Head Office is responsible for the WHSmith travel outlets.

Both Head Offices are responsible for the same functions, which include:

• Retail Operations
• Trading
• Sales and Marketing
• Finance
• IT
• Supply Chain
• Property Management
• Human Resources

Staff based in both Head Office locations are ultimately responsible for facilitating the success of the retail stores. Ensuring the stock is delivered in the right place at the right time and for the right price.

The job vacancies and roles available within the WHSmith Head Offices are wide and varied and the skills and qualifications required for each can be markedly different. However, if you are starting your career or are looking for a promotion into Senior Management level it is possible WHSmith will have a vacancy of interest.

Examples of current live job vacancies with WHSmith include:

Buyer

WHSmith employs a large team of Buyers who are responsible for purchasing products within a specific category. The Buyer is responsible for sourcing the product and negotiating the best possible price, in order to deliver maximum sales and profitability. Generally you will need to have previous buying experience in the retail sector in order to apply for such a vacancy. You will also be expected to be educated to degree level or beyond.

Point of Sale Analyst

This dynamic role requires a candidate who would be responsible for delivering supplier income by maintaining the control of space database and managing delivery of sold space promotions to strict timescales. The ideal candidate will be analytical and have a good understanding of databases and Excel. Good communications skills are vital as you will be managing relationships with suppliers, working on supplier led sales and promotion campaigns.

The examples above are just a small taster of the Head Office vacancies, which are typically available with WHSmith. Details of all Head Office Vacancies can be found online, by visiting the WHSmith website. You are encouraged to apply for suitable vacancies online, but you can complete the application form by hand if you prefer.

Why work for WHSmith?

If you are successful and manage to secure your next job with WHSmith you can be assured of a very competitive salary, regardless of position. All employees are entitled to join the company’s pension scheme and receive 24 days paid holiday. Staff also benefit from a discount voucher scheme and childcare vouchers.

In addition to financial benefits, WHSmith also benefit from the Learning & Development Scheme. Every staff member has access to a training scheme with will educate them in retail and retail management. You will also have free access to thousands of self-help and educational books. WHSmith is a true retail giant, and offers all staff the chance of a rewarding career in a fast paced and successful orginasation.