Micro Space Analyst

at  WHSmith

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.
Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

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 Space and Format team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work.
The role of the Micro Space Analyst is truly cross-functional – you will be right at the centre of the business, leading and driving the commercial agenda. You will have accountability and an opportunity to shape the future of the business through analysing data to formulate strategic use of micro space to drive category growth in all departments and optimise range offering to improve the customer offer.

What you will be doing

• Upskilling the wider team on system developments for data/insight/reporting.
• Setting up templates and reporting suites and educate colleagues to ensure consistency of reporting across the team.
• Developing current Space Planning software - working closely with the Tech teams and external supplier.
• Working across multiple categories to ensure formats/segments have the correct ranging e.g. Piers, Landside, Kiosks.
• Working with Insight, Format Dev & Macro Space teams to help build the proposition bottom up.
• Leading discussions on future Space Planning systems upgrades through review of supply base.
• Trading Director engagement to communicate findings and drive commercial strategy on space use with suppliers.
• Building a comprehensive understanding of WHSmith Travel ranges and identify opportunities to optimise net profitability of all space.
• Post Implementation Sales analysis & trend reporting – Establish best practice and implement across the team.
• Supporting International and Group teams in maximising returns through Micro space use.

SECONDARY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Micro Space Planning on a key category & supporting team with core workload during peak workload periods.

This will include:

• Building relationships with suppliers over range merchandising and product positioning
• Creating planograms using in-house systems
• Building internal relationships with operations and trading
• Management of range and store grading to ensure right product in right place
• Ensuring new and refitted stores have correct planograms for opening
• Keeping up to date on competitor ranges and display techniques

What we are looking for

• Ideally you will have relevant work experience in a visual merchandising role.(Candidates will also be considered with relevant work experience in retail having dealt with planograms on the shop floor in previous roles.)
• Advanced Excel and VBA
• Ability to interpret detailed reports and communicate salient insights.
• SQL understanding and confidence manipulating large data sets.
• Working knowledge of Space Planning Software and back-end interfacing.
• Strong commercial skills and market interpretation
• Engaging, influencing and negotiation

How we reward our teams

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Private Medical
• Staff Discount Card for stores and online