General Manager

WHSmith; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent international retail company is seeking a General Manager for its Singapore operations at Changi Airport. This leadership position involves driving business strategy, managing a dynamic team, and ensuring commercial success while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. Candidates should exhibit proven leadership in retail and a track record of achieving business objectives in a culturally diverse environment.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leader with experience in general management within retail.
• Demonstrated track record of driving commercial success.
• Dynamic individual with experience in culturally diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the WHSmith Singapore team while driving business performance.
• Implement strategies to maximize profitability and operational excellence.
• Build strong relationships with key partners like Changi Airport.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Awareness

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Job description

At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones who go the extra mile for our customers. The ones who enable our growth. That’s why our International team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be empowered, commercial, and trailblazing in order to do their best work.

We are looking for a General Manager to lead our WHSmith business in Singapore, based at Changi Airport. The main purpose of this role is to drive the strategy and performance of our Singapore operations, taking every step to maximise profitability through driving sales, managing cost, and mitigating risk. Reporting to the Managing Director of International, the General Manager will lead, manage, and develop the team to increase productivity and ensure the business achieves its key performance indicators.

What you will be doing:

• Providing overall leadership of the WHSmith Singapore team, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Driving the strategy and ensuring implementation of agreed actions to maximise profit and business performance in Singapore.
• Identifying and mitigating risks to the Singapore business while maintaining operational excellence.
• Leading day-to-day Singapore operations, managing all operating costs efficiently while ensuring compliance with policies and local legislation.
• Line managing the Commercial Manager, Operations Manager, Financial Controller, and HR Manager, aligning with UK functions and stakeholders as required.
• Representing WHSmith in all external communications, meetings, and legal activity, building and developing strong relationships with key partners, including Changi Airport.
• Representing the Singapore business at internal meetings and providing clear, concise feedback to senior executives and leadership.
• Influencing and working effectively cross-functionally across WHSmith International to support business goals.
• Protecting and developing the WHSmith brand in Singapore and supporting expansion opportunities within Asia.

What we are looking for:

• A proven senior leader with experience in general management within retail, demonstrating a track record of driving commercial success.
• A dynamic, commercially aware individual who actively seeks opportunities to grow sales and business performance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and nurture landlord relationships.
• Experience in leading and managing teams within a culturally diverse environment.
• Calm under pressure and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Brings energy, drive, and enthusiasm, acting as a natural motivator and role model.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with sound judgement and decision-making capabilities.
• A collaborative leader who values open communication and feedback to support the growth and development of the team.
• Someone who shares our values and is excited to drive WHSmith’s international growth, protecting our brand while seizing new opportunities in a thriving market.

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries worldwide, providing the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, our people, and the communities we serve.

For UK and International Travel, our mission is simple: to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations, and other markets. Our office is based in a buzzing part of London, close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration, and innovation, resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!