Divisional Sales & Operations Manager – Canada

Marshall Retail Group; Alberta; Hybrid; CAD 76,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Alberta seeks a Divisional Sales & Operations Manager to drive sales performance and operational discipline. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in retail leadership, strong financial acumen, and a proven record of enhancing customer experiences. This role emphasizes leading diverse teams, analyzing performance metrics, and ensuring compliance with brand standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive retail leadership experience with multi-site responsibility.
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and operational excellence.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with experience managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop multi-site managers.
• Deliver sales, labor, and profit targets.
• Analyze sales trends and manage labor budgets.

Skills

Strategic planning

Data-driven decision making

Collaborative leadership

Problem solving

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Job description

Divisional Sales & Operations Manager leads the retail execution, sales performance, and operational discipline of WHSmith North America stores across an assigned division. This leader drives growth, profitability, and customer experience by ensuring consistent execution of company standards and developing high-performing teams that reflect our values of Customer Focus, Accountability, Drive for Results, and Valuing Our People.

Pay Range: $76,000-91,000 annually

Location: This role requires being based within 30 miles of your assigned home region airport or ability to self-relocate by January 31, 2026. (Canada)

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop multi-site managers to build strong leadership and operational capability across all stores.
• Champion a performance-driven, inclusive culture that prioritizes employee engagement and customer excellence.
• Partner with HR and Training teams to identify and develop future leaders through coaching and succession planning.

Operational Execution

• Deliver sales, labor, and profit targets through disciplined execution and data-driven decision making.
• Ensure all stores adhere to brand standards, policy compliance, and operational processes.
• Conduct regular business reviews and store visits to assess execution, identify opportunities, and drive accountability.
• Partner with Facilities and Support teams to resolve operational issues and maintain store readiness.

Financial Performance & Planning

• Analyze sales trends, labor utilization, and P&L performance to develop action plans that maximize results.
• Manage labor and expense budgets to ensure profitability within assigned division.
• Support strategic initiatives and new programs that enhance financial and operational outcomes.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Commercial, Marketing, and Merchandising to launch promotions and assortment strategies.
• Partner with Facilities and Construction to support store refreshes, openings, and closures.
• Build relationships with landlords and airport authorities to ensure effective communication and brand representation.

Key Metrics

• Sales and profit growth vs. plan
• Labor productivity and payroll control
• Operational audit and compliance scores
• Customer satisfaction and service standards
• Employee retention and engagement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive retail leadership experience with multi-site responsibility.
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and operational excellence in a complex environment.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with experience managing budgets and KPIs.
• Ability to travel frequently and work collaboratively across a matrixed organization.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strategic planning and organizational alignment.
• Data-driven decision making and performance analysis.
• Collaborative leadership and communication.
• Problem solving and adaptability under tight timelines.
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence mindset

Leadership Attributes

• Leads with clarity, accountability, and purpose.
• Builds trust and alignment across teams and functions.
• Demonstrates resilience, decisiveness, and a growth mindset.
• Inspires a culture of excellence and customer focus in every store.

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.

Legal & Compliance Disclaimer

WHSmith North America is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. All questions above are job-related and designed to assess qualifications and experience relevant to the position. Responses will not be used to discriminate or determine eligibility on any basis unrelated to bona fide job requirements.