Store Manager (Starbucks)

The Store Manager leads end-to-end operations of a licensed Starbucks café at Dulles International Airport (IAD), overseeing people leadership, financial performance, brand standards, and daily operational excellence. As the first Manager within WHSmith’s Starbucks program, this role helps establish operational discipline and supports future airport store launches, with the opportunity to expand in scope as the program grows.

Location: Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Own all daily store operations, ensuring consistent execution of Starbucks standards, licensed store requirements, and WHSmith operating procedures
• Lead store readiness for opening, including equipment validation, supply flow, staffing, training completion, and operational testing
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health department, airport authority, TSA, and Starbucks audit requirements
• Maintain high standards for cleanliness, food safety, product quality, and customer experience at all times
• Proactively identify operational risks and implement corrective actions

People Leadership & Staffing

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop baristas and shift supervisors
• Build and maintain a strong leadership bench through coaching, performance feedback, and development
• Create schedules that align labor to forecasted demand while controlling labor cost
• Foster a positive, accountable, and inclusive team culture aligned to Starbucks and WHSmith values
• Address performance issues promptly and fairly

Financial & Performance Management

• Own store-level P&L drivers including:
• Labor
• Sales performance
• Waste and shrink
• Productivity and throughput
• Analyze sales trends, transaction volume, and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement
• Execute inventory management processes to ensure product availability while minimizing waste
• Partner with Regional and Central Operations teams on performance reviews and improvement plans

Starbucks Brand & Compliance

• Serve as the on-site Starbucks brand owner, ensuring compliance with:
• Starbucks Licensed Store Leader standards
• Training completion requirements
• Product, equipment, and merchandising standards
• Health and safety standards
• Prepare for and successfully complete Starbucks audits and operational reviews
• Maintain strong working relationships with Starbucks support partners as required

Stakeholder & Program Collaboration

• Partner closely with:
• Regional Manager
• Central Operations / Starbucks Program Lead
• Facilities, IT, Supply Chain, and Training partners
• Provide feedback on SOP effectiveness, operational gaps, and improvement opportunities
• Support future store openings through knowledge transfer, mentoring, and best-practice sharing as the program expands

Qualifications

Required

• 5 years of multi-unit or high-volume retail or food service management experience
• Proven success leading teams in fast-paced, operationally complex environments
• Strong understanding of labor planning, inventory control, and cost management
• Experience with food safety, health inspections, and operational audits
• Ability to operate effectively in a regulated airport environment (or willingness to learn quickly)
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive accountability and results

Preferred

• Previous Starbucks management experience (corporate or licensed)
• Airport, travel retail, or high-volume QSR experience
• Experience opening new locations or stabilizing underperforming stores
• Familiarity with licensed brand compliance models

Key Competencies

• Operational discipline
• People development & coaching
• Bias for action
• Strong communication and follow-through
• Comfort operating with structure, standards, and accountability
• Ability to scale processes as the business grows

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. At WHSmith North America, it’s about each person bringing passion and skills to a dynamic and inclusive workplace!