General Manager, Multi-Unit

WHSmith North America; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WHSmith North America seeks a General Manager to lead daily operations, drive sales and profitability, and develop a team of 2-3 Store Managers at Newark Liberty International Airport. You will oversee performance, merchandising, budgeting, and compliance to ensure consistent brand standards across locations.

In this fast-paced travel retail environment, you will optimize inventory with the Buying team, mentor leaders, and deliver exceptional customer service while achieving financial targets

Qualifications

• 3+ years of multi-unit leadership experience in a retail environment.
• Strong understanding of retail financial metrics (KPIs, forecasts, inventory, shrink).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Oversee store performance including sales and expenses.
• Recruit, hire and develop store teams; guide Store Managers.
• Coach Store Managers to improve leadership and results.
• Maintain relationships with property management for compliance.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and brand standards.
• Utilize performance appraisals and development plans for staff.
• Maintain financial records and controls; ensure accuracy.
• Foster excellent customer experience through store presentation.

Skills

Multi-unit leadership

Retail leadership

Communication skills

Customer service orientation

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for ensuring the daily operations, financial success, and overall performance of assigned retail stores. Reporting to the District Manager, the GM leads and develops a team of 2-3 Store Managers, ensuring stores operate in alignment with company standards while driving sales, profitability, and team success.

Location: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage store performance, including sales, shrink control, and all controllable expenses
• Recruit, hire, and develop high-performing store teams, ensuring progressive improvement in store operations
• Coach and mentor Store Managers, providing guidance to improve leadership skills and business results
• Maintain strong relationships with property management to address operational concerns and ensure store compliance
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, holding teams accountable for execution
• Utilize performance appraisals, ongoing coaching, and development plans to cultivate a high-performing management team
• Ensure financial controls and accountability, maintaining accurate financial documentation and records
• Foster an exceptional customer experience by ensuring stores are clean, well-stocked, and visually appealing
• Communicate effectively with the District Manager, addressing any operational or employee-related issues
• Partner with the Buying team to optimize inventory levels, ensuring the right stock mix to drive sales
• Oversee merchandising execution, ensuring stores adhere to brand standards and visual merchandising guidelines
• Lead by example, setting the tone for excellence in customer service, sales, and team engagement
• Perform other duties as assigned to support company goals

Job Requirements

• 3+ years of multi-unit leadership experience in a retail environment
• Strong understanding of retail financial metrics (KPIs, sales forecasting, inventory management, shrink control, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Passion for customer service and results-driven leadership
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities efficiently
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a positive and performance-driven work culture

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.

EEO/ADA/DFWP

WHSmith North America is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin/ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, military/veteran status, marital status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by law.