San Mateo,CA,USA Aviation Opening | Hiring

WHSmith is a renowned global travel retailer with a rich heritage and a strong presence in over 30 countries, operating more than 1,700 stores worldwide. The company is especially recognized in North America through WHSmith North America, which includes subsidiaries like Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion. This division represents a substantial portion of WHSmith's international storefronts, featuring a diverse array of specialty retail stores strategically situated in high-traffic locations such as airports and resorts across North America. These retail outlets are designed to cater to the unique needs of travel consumers, delivering both convenience and quality service. WHSmith’s dedication to innovation, customer engagement, and operational excellence has positioned it as a leader in travel retail, offering a dynamic and forward-thinking environment that embraces diversity and inclusion in the workforce. The role of General Manager at WHSmith, based at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), is a pivotal leadership position within the Field Team, which drives the company's retail operations to achieve excellence. This full-time position is an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about retail management to influence the future of travel retail. The General Manager is responsible for ensuring that all store operations comply with WHSmith’s rigorous standards and protocols on a daily basis. Reporting directly to the Regional Manager, this role carries the critical responsibility of overseeing one designated store and managing a team consisting of 10 to 14 Store Managers. The General Manager’s leadership is essential to fostering a high-performing, customer-focused team that consistently meets sales and operational targets. The role demands someone who is not only results-oriented but is also committed to cultivating exceptional customer service and seamless store operations. The General Manager will lead initiatives to manage sales performance, control shrinkage and expenses, recruit and develop store teams, and maintain productive partnerships with property management. A key component of the role includes using performance appraisals and continuous coaching to nurture the management team, ensuring their skills and competencies align with the company’s expectations. Additionally, the General Manager is tasked with maintaining detailed financial controls and accountability, overseeing effective merchandising, and collaborating closely with the corporate buying team to optimize inventory and stock levels. Other vital responsibilities include ensuring stores present a clean, fresh, and inviting environment, as well as maintaining clear and proactive communication with district and regional leadership regarding employee issues and store performance. The position requires mandatory weekend availability, reflecting the retail environment’s demands. Compensation for this role starts at $120,000, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, free life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and employee discounts. WHSmith fosters a career growth-oriented culture where innovation and customer connection are highly valued. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced retail leaders who are organized, detail-oriented, and motivated to lead teams and stores to new levels of success in one of the world’s busiest travel environments. Joining WHSmith means being part of an inclusive team that values diversity and equal employment opportunity, supporting a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• High school diploma required
• 3 years plus experience in multi-unit leadership in a retail environment
• Understand and can speak to retail math including all KPI's
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Passion for phenomenal customer service and is results/goal oriented
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable managing a team
• Highly self-motivated
• Organized, detail oriented, strong time management skills
• Mobility includes limited sitting
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing
• Can distinguish varying patterns or materials
• Understand, speak, read, and write fluent English
• Use of fine motor hand functions
• Lift 0-60 lbs