WHSmith
Divisional Sales And Operations Manager - North Large Air
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Role Overview
This is a field-based role.
At WHSmith Europe 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. At the heart of WHSmith Travel, our mission is to enhance every journey through exceptional service, products, and partnerships.
As the Divisional Sales and Operations Manager, you will drive the success of our Large Airport stores, leading your team to deliver growth across multiple formats, including InMotion. Your leadership will shape the future of our business, delivering operational excellence and fostering a high-performing culture that places people, customers, and profitability at the core of everything we do.
What You Will Be Doing
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with landlords, demonstrating confidence and charisma that foster a sense of pride and trust. Landlords see you as a go-to tenant, and you work to ensure excellent communication and rapport.
- Shaping and influencing the People Strategy to drive exceptional performance and embed a people-first culture across WHSmith Travel.
- Inspiring and leading Store Managers through coaching, challenging, and empowering them. Create an environment that encourages continuous development and showcases the best talent.
- Owning and delivering a robust talent strategy, collaborating with cross-functional teams to nurture future leaders and ensure succession plans are in place across all stores. Work closely with the People Team to ensure the right tools are in place and contribute to shaping the overall talent strategy.
- Monitoring operational targets and service level agreements with partners, ensuring they are met, positioning WHSmith as a trusted and valuable partner. Build connections with competitors to identify future risks and opportunities.
- Advocating for new business growth being seen as the expert Field Operator to shape operations and innovate.
- Fostering a sales-driven culture across your Division with a strong focus on assisted sales, in-depth product knowledge, and add-on sales. Taking accountability for driving sales growth in InMotion stores by implementing strategies that enhance these key areas.
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What We Are Looking For
- Senior multi-site leadership of Large fast-paced turnover stores.
- Leadership & people management experience.
- Extensive expertise in retail market dynamics and customer behavior insights, preferably in Airports.
- Strong knowledge of Hospitality & food Safety compliance, Health & safety, and risk management.
- Strategic & commercial mindset.
- Experience collaborating with senior leaders on projects and business strategy.
- Proven Landlord engagement experience.
- Leadership Qualification desirable or equivalent experience.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making.
- Commercial Performance - financial acumen and budget controls.
How We Reward Our Teams
- Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office.
- 4 pm Friday Finish.
- Flexible Working.
- 33 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday.
- Family Friendly Leave.
- Company Pension scheme.
- Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Staff Discount Card for travel stores.
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About Us
Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognized brand present in over 30 countries, the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people, and the communities we serve.
For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple, to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations, and other markets. The Hospitality team supports own-brand and franchise propositions across the estate, working closely with partners including M&S, Costa, and Greggs.
We’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race, or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!
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