MAG
Retail Transformation Manager
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Head of Retail Transformation
Based at London Stansted Airport
Permanent
Why MAG?
At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the UK's largest airport operator, we serve over 60 million passengers each year across Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports, connecting people to more than 270 destinations worldwide.
As we continue to invest in the future of London Stansted Airport, we're embarking on one of the most exciting transformation programmes in UK aviation. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future retail experience for millions of passengers whilst delivering significant commercial growth.
We are proud to be a diverse employer, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Alongside an exciting career, you'll also benefit from:
- Annual bonus scheme
- Flexible and generous company pension with employer contributions of up to 8%
- 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Free parking
- Subsidised public transport
- Wide range of company discounts
- Two paid volunteering days each year
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
- Care Concierge support service
About the Role
As Head of Retail Transformation, you'll lead the retail workstream within London Stansted Airport's Transformation Programme, ensuring our future retail proposition delivers against both our commercial strategy and long-term business objectives.
Working closely with the Retail Director, Commercial teams, and Transformation Programme, you'll act as the key link between retail operations and major capital projects, ensuring retail requirements remain at the heart of planning, design, and delivery.
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You'll oversee the delivery of a retail strategy that supports passenger growth from 30 million to over 43 million passengers by FY34, including the creation of 40 new retail units, expansion of the airport's airside retail footprint to 20,000sqm, and delivery of a retail business plan that grows from £110m to £180m+.
This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll influence senior stakeholders, manage complex programmes, lead major tender processes, and ensure commercial opportunities are maximized throughout the transformation journey. Following completion of the transformation programme, you'll transition into the role of Head of Retail, leading the Retail Category team to drive continued commercial performance.
What Will Make You Successful?
We're looking for an experienced commercial leader who combines strategic thinking with exceptional programme delivery skills.
You'll bring:
- Significant experience leading large-scale retail, commercial, or transformation programmes within complex, customer-focused environments.
- A proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build strong relationships across multiple business functions.
- Extensive experience managing complex projects from strategy through to delivery, balancing commercial priorities with operational requirements.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience developing business cases and delivering against ambitious financial targets.
- Experience managing competitive tender processes, supplier engagement, and commercial negotiations.
- The ability to work effectively within live operational environments, balancing customer experience with project delivery.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence presenting complex information to senior leadership teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and resolve complex challenges.
- Experience working with retailers, contractors, consultants, and external partners at senior level.
- Ideally, over 10 years' experience in retail, commercial, aviation, infrastructure, or major transformation environments.
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This role would suit someone who enjoys operating at pace, influencing strategic decisions, and delivering transformational change that leaves a lasting commercial impact.
Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments
We're building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We're on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there's space for your unique strengths to shine.
Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don't think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring.
We're proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We're committed to helping you perform at your best.
At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women's Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.
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