What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager position at WHSmith North America?
The General Manager (GM) is responsible for ensuring the daily operations, financial success, and overall performance of assigned retail stores. Reporting to the District Manager, the GM leads and develops a team of 2-3 Store Managers, ensuring stores operate in alignment with company standards while driving sales, profitability, and team success.
Location: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Job Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage store performance, including sales, shrink control, and all controllable expenses
- Recruit, hire, and develop high-performing store teams, ensuring progressive improvement in store operations
- Coach and mentor Store Managers, providing guidance to improve leadership skills and business results
- Maintain strong relationships with property management to address operational concerns and ensure store compliance
- Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, holding teams accountable for execution
- Utilize performance appraisals, ongoing coaching, and development plans to cultivate a high-performing management team
- Ensure financial controls and accountability, maintaining accurate financial documentation and records
- Foster an exceptional customer experience by ensuring stores are clean, well-stocked, and visually appealing
- Communicate effectively with the District Manager, addressing any operational or employee-related issues
- Partner with the Buying team to optimize inventory levels, ensuring the right stock mix to drive sales
- Oversee merchandising execution, ensuring stores adhere to brand standards and visual merchandising guidelines
- Lead by example, setting the tone for excellence in customer service, sales, and team engagement
- Perform other duties as assigned to support company goals
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; High School diploma required
- 3 years of multi-unit leadership experience in a retail environment
- Strong understanding of retail financial metrics (KPIs, sales forecasting, inventory management, shrink control, etc.)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Passion for customer service and results-driven leadership
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities efficiently
- Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a positive and performance-driven work culture
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.
EEO/ADA/DFWP
WHSmith North America is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin/ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, military/veteran status, marital status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by law.