WH Smith is one of the World's most popular Travel Essentials retailer and is loved by millions of customers who shop in our Stores situated in Airports and travel hubs across the world.
As part of our ongoing International growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a General Manager to lead our business in Singapore, based in Changi Airport.
In this unique role you will have the opportunity to drive the strategy and drive the performance, taking every step to maximise the profitability of the store through driving sales, managing cost & mitigating risk.
Reporting to the Managing Director of International, you will lead, manage and develop the team, increase productivity and ensure the store/business achieves its key performance indicators.
The Accountabilities of the Role:
- Providing overall strategic and operational leadership of the WHSmith Singapore business, setting clear commercial goals and driving performance to exceed targets.
- To maximize profit & business performance of WHSmith Singapore
- Support defining the strategy for the Singapore business with the Managing Director (ROW) and ensuring implementation of agreed actions
- Identify & mitigate risks to the Singapore business
- Day to day responsibility for the Singapore business operations, including management of all operating costs
- Fully implement policies and adhere to required legislation to ensure the safety & security of all customers, staff, stock & financial business aspects
- Line management accountabilities of Commercial Manager, Operations Manager, Financial Controller and HR Manager, aligning with UK functions/stakeholders as appropriate also
- Represent the Company in all external communication, meetings and legal activity, including with the, building and developing strong working relationships with all
- Represent the Singapore business as required at internal meetings (e.g. Risk committee/IME), providing appropriate feedback to the senior executives & leadership of the business
- Influence & work effectively cross functionally across WH Smith International
- Develop and ensure the relationship with Changi Airport flourishes
- Develop/protect the image and brand of WHSmith in Singapore
- Support the expansion of WH Smith within Asia
The Requirements of the Role:
- A proven senior leader with extensive experience in travel retail or airport retail operations (ideally in General Manager, Country Manager, or equivalent senior management roles).
- Proven track record as a dynamic leader with commercial awareness who will look for every opportunity to exploit sales and grow the business.
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to build landlord relationships.
- Understanding of leading and managing within a cultural diverse environment
- Remains calm under pressure and used to a fast-paced working environment
- Needs to possess energy, drive and enthusiasm and should be a natural motivator
- Excellent inter-personal and communication skills encompassing patience, tact and diplomacy and showing a commitment to open communication & feedback
- Good organisational and analytical skills, and be able to offer sound and reasoned judgement
