Job Description

The Divisional Sales & Operations Manager leads the retail execution, sales performance, and operational discipline of WHSmith North America stores across an assigned division. This leader drives growth, profitability, and customer experience by ensuring consistent execution of company standards and developing high-performing teams that reflect our values of Customer Focus, Accountability, Drive for Results, and Valuing Our People.

Location: Candidates must live within 30 miles of the airport or be open to self-relocating. (MI, PA, MA, OH, KY, CT)

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop multi-site managers to build strong leadership and operational capability across all stores.
• Champion a performance-driven, inclusive culture that prioritizes employee engagement and customer excellence.
• Partner with HR and Training teams to identify and develop future leaders through coaching and succession planning.

Operational Execution

• Deliver sales, labor, and profit targets through disciplined execution and data-driven decision making.
• Ensure all stores adhere to brand standards, policy compliance, and operational processes.
• Conduct regular business reviews and store visits to assess execution, identify opportunities, and drive accountability.
• Partner with Facilities and Support teams to resolve operational issues and maintain store readiness.

Financial Performance & Planning

• Analyze sales trends, labor utilization, and P&L performance to develop action plans that maximize results.
• Manage labor and expense budgets to ensure profitability within assigned division.
• Support strategic initiatives and new programs that enhance financial and operational outcomes.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Commercial, Marketing, and Merchandising to launch promotions and assortment strategies.
• Partner with Facilities and Construction to support store refreshes, openings, and closures.
• Build relationships with landlords and airport authorities to ensure effective communication and brand representation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Management, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive retail leadership experience with multi-site responsibility.
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and operational excellence in a complex environment.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with experience managing budgets and KPIs.
• Ability to travel frequently and work collaboratively across a matrixed organization.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strategic planning and organizational alignment.
• Data-driven decision making and performance analysis.
• Collaborative leadership and communication.
• Problem solving and adaptability under tight timelines.
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence mindset

About Us

WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with over 1,700 stores across 30 countries worldwide. WHSmith North America, incorporating Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion, represents over half of the Company’s international store estate, with a collection of attractive, successful specialty retail stores located in airports and resorts across North America.

Legal & Compliance Disclaimer

WHSmith North America is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. All questions above are job-related and designed to assess qualifications and experience relevant to the position. Responses will not be used to discriminate or determine eligibility on any basis unrelated to bona fide job requirements.

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