Marshall Retail Group
Position Summary
The Director, Retail Change leads the end-to-end execution of new store openings, remodels, resets, closures, and special projects to ensure flawless delivery, operational readiness, and brand consistency. Acting as the operational integrator between Business Development, Construction, Commercial, and Operations, this role drives alignment, accountability, and executional excellence across multiple formats and business priorities.
Pay Range:
$150,000-190,000 annually
Location:
This role requires being based within 30 miles of any US priority airport or the ability to self-relocate by January 31, 2026.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
Lead planning, coordination, and execution of all new store openings, remodels, resets, closures, and special projects.
Oversee pre- and post‑opening activities to ensure operational readiness and brand compliance at turnover.
Develop and maintain cross‑functional alignment with Construction, Facilities, and Operations to ensure timely, on‑budget delivery.
Drive strategic growth and optimization planning, aligning new openings and closures with enterprise priorities.
Represent Retail Change across the organization, influencing operational and commercial decisions that support business objectives.
Operational Excellence & Governance
Create and implement standardized Retail Change processes and playbooks to streamline execution and eliminate variability.
Oversee project readiness reviews, punch list completion, and final sign‑offs.
Manage vendor performance, budgets, and risk mitigation to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Lead post‑project evaluations to identify improvement opportunities and enhance delivery consistency.
Support multi‑store initiatives and prototype design projects to optimize cost and operational effectiveness.
Collaboration & Communication
Partner with Field Operations and Commercial teams to align on timelines, layouts, and merchandising readiness.
Maintain visibility into project budgets and performance to ensure transparency and accountability.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure smooth transitions from build to operational launch.
Key Metrics
On‑time project completion (%).
Budget adherence (% variance).
Operational readiness and audit scores.
Punch list closure rate (%).
Transition effectiveness (field readiness within 90 days post‑turnover).
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in retail operations or project management.
Proven success leading large‑scale openings, remodels, and closures across multiple markets.
PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage multiple concurrent priorities.
Skills & Competencies
Strong project and change management expertise across multi‑site retail environments.
Deep understanding of store opening, remodel, and closure lifecycles.
Operational acumen to ensure readiness, compliance, and transition success.
Financial discipline and budget management capability.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management.
Continuous improvement and operational excellence mindset.
Leadership Attributes
Strategic thinker who drives results through disciplined execution.
Collaborative leader who builds trust across functions and teams.
Proactive communicator who anticipates challenges and delivers solutions.
Inspires accountability, alignment, and excellence in all areas of delivery.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Pay Range:
$150,000-190,000 annually
Location:
This role requires being based within 30 miles of any US priority airport or the ability to self-relocate by January 31, 2026.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
Lead planning, coordination, and execution of all new store openings, remodels, resets, closures, and special projects.
Oversee pre- and post‑opening activities to ensure operational readiness and brand compliance at turnover.
Develop and maintain cross‑functional alignment with Construction, Facilities, and Operations to ensure timely, on‑budget delivery.
Drive strategic growth and optimization planning, aligning new openings and closures with enterprise priorities.
Represent Retail Change across the organization, influencing operational and commercial decisions that support business objectives.
Operational Excellence & Governance
Create and implement standardized Retail Change processes and playbooks to streamline execution and eliminate variability.
Oversee project readiness reviews, punch list completion, and final sign‑offs.
Manage vendor performance, budgets, and risk mitigation to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Lead post‑project evaluations to identify improvement opportunities and enhance delivery consistency.
Support multi‑store initiatives and prototype design projects to optimize cost and operational effectiveness.
Collaboration & Communication
Partner with Field Operations and Commercial teams to align on timelines, layouts, and merchandising readiness.
Maintain visibility into project budgets and performance to ensure transparency and accountability.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure smooth transitions from build to operational launch.
Key Metrics
On‑time project completion (%).
Budget adherence (% variance).
Operational readiness and audit scores.
Punch list closure rate (%).
Transition effectiveness (field readiness within 90 days post‑turnover).
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in retail operations or project management.
Proven success leading large‑scale openings, remodels, and closures across multiple markets.
PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage multiple concurrent priorities.
Skills & Competencies
Strong project and change management expertise across multi‑site retail environments.
Deep understanding of store opening, remodel, and closure lifecycles.
Operational acumen to ensure readiness, compliance, and transition success.
Financial discipline and budget management capability.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management.
Continuous improvement and operational excellence mindset.
Leadership Attributes
Strategic thinker who drives results through disciplined execution.
Collaborative leader who builds trust across functions and teams.
Proactive communicator who anticipates challenges and delivers solutions.
Inspires accountability, alignment, and excellence in all areas of delivery.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr