AREA OPERATIONS MANAGER

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Area Manager who can lead, coach, and develop a team of Store Managers across Spain to maximise the profitability of the area by delivering KPIS in line with the stores operating plan.At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our operations team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and innovative to do their best work.What will you do?Fully accountable for the day-to-day responsibility for the business operations for Spain, reviewing and where appropriate, improving current operational performance, ensuring best in class disciplines and processes are in place whilst maintain a great customer experience.Build and deliver a Strategy suited to Spain that compliments and achieves the overall International Operating plan.Conduct frequent stores visits to ensure Store teams are delivering consistent high performing results, standards in safe and legal environments.Influence and work effectively with other functions in the WHSmith business as appropriate, building a strong network of internal partners and working alongside functional teams to affect change in a way that is sustainable and has long term benefits​. Whilst acting as a representative of WHSmith when visiting Airport stakeholders to ensure strong relationships are maintained​.Effectively operate in a broad set of international markets and cultures. Use integrity, discretion, and experience to make judgments on a variety of cultural challenges and sensitivities whilst using data, to analyse and identify trends in performance, identifying opportunities and risks.​Being part and delivering new store opening and embedding new teams​Communicating effectively and appropriately to ensure store teams are engaged, happy and motivated​.To provide clear and timely feedback to Store managers to support development of overall performance and losses capability​.Ensure each store implement strategies to hit KPIs in line with the Operating Plan, as well as overseeing trading losses, cost control and Succession and People Plans​.Feedback in country knowledge to the UK teams to support the overall commercial plan.​​Who we are?Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 11,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people, and the communities we serve.From the United States to Australia, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, we have c. 600 stores outside of the UK, and we are continuing to grow our international business. Our brand and tailored customer proposition in each location we operate in is synonymous with the travelling experience. Whether it’s hot dogs in Norway, or luxury chocolates in Belgium, our stores look and feel exciting and relevant to each market. With our ambitious global expansion plans, there’s never been a more exciting time to work in our European markets.The skills you will need:An accomplished and commercial retail operations professional with a proven track record of delivery within a fast-paced operations environment​.An engaging leader with excellent communication and people skills. ​Data and facts driven, with high intellect, strategic acumen, and sound business judgement, able to manage complex issues and develop effective solutions.Culturally empathetic and good awareness and understanding around operating in an international environment, able to influence globally, across functions and hierarchy​.Ability to work independently and autonomously​.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver on tactical actions​.Fluent in Spanish and English.What we offer you?Competitive SalaryCar allowance Annual bonus based on performance Employee Discount Holidays aligned with CBA + Bank Holidays*Additional In market benefits location dependent.