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International Field Based Role
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Store Operations Project Manager who can project manager store operations across our international business.
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 Central Operations is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and innovative to do their best work. As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for the management and delivery of our key commercial initiatives
What will you do?

• Project manage the operational business programme of store openings, closures, refits and improvement projects in conjunction with cross functional teams (particularly Business Development, Construction, Space & Format and Trading), influencing widely to ensure workable plans are created and implemented
• Communicate effectively with Area Managers, Store Managers & other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of projects on the ground and in a way that minimises the impact to normal store operations
• Highlight and communicate any risks and issues that arrive to the executive team and manage these through to completion/resolution
• Represent the Operations Team in cross functional meetings and communicate upcoming projects to the team effectively
• Maintain trackers and critical paths and communicate out as appropriate
• Train and develop new store managers and teams on operational processes in conjunction with local teams
• Manage and implement process changes in the role to improve processes
• Act as a key central contact for stores and AMs for project lead work
• Day to day running of operational projects
• Attending project calls as Operational point of contact
• Set up and update Operational project plan with clear timelines and dependencies on other departments for projects
• Create training plans for store manager and store teams alongside Area Managers & People Partners
• Ensuring Area Managers and Operations team are well informed with changes/updates of activity
• Complete opening reviews to ensure all aspects of the projects are completed
• Visit stores frequently and be prepared to live in country to deliver projects

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:

• Track record of managing multiple projects at a given time of varying scale, size, and complexity
• Experience managing high profile, date critical projects from initiation to closure
• Methodical, organized individual with a high attention to detail
• Effective and personable communicator to organize, influence and build strong positive relationships, ability to communicate to all levels of the business
• Ability to influence cross functionally and manage upwards
• Outstanding time management skills, able to prioritize, multitask and work to deadline
• Project Management experience – desirable
• Previous retail experience/knowledge – Essential

What we offer you?

• Competitive salary and car allowance
• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
• Pension contribution
• Access to share company share scheme
• Staff discount card for stores and online
• 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday

Workplace

Full Time

Permanent

Competitive

Competitive

36.5

UK

Greater London

D

EC3A7BX

International