Business Development Manager - International

WHSmith International Business Development Manager
Job Purpose

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 International Business Development Team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and innovative to do their best work. As a Business Development Manager, you will be directly responsible for the relationships with our key European business partners, so you will need to have previous relevant Business Development experience to be successful.

There is significant opportunity in optimising our new stores to deliver sales and profit performance ahead of passenger growth. The Business Development Manager will be responsible for locations all across Europe, but initially get started in, Italy, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway and Hungary.

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.

What you’ll do:

• You will work with key European Business Partners to optimise our new stores to deliver sales and profit performance ahead of passenger growth.
• Schedule monthly and quarterly meeting with landlord partners to maintain great working relationships.
• Work closely with finance to develop Business Development efficiencies.
• Manage, maintain, and aim to grow our relationships with existing our business portfolio to give us the best possible chance of extending concession agreements or winning tenders where applicable.
• Endeavour to build your relationships with landlords so that WHSmith is always know as a trusted partner.
• Work closely with Senior Business Development on managing tenders for existing and new business.
• Using your experience you will work closely with a range of internal teams, therefore stakeholder engagement is key to your success in this role.
• Build on internal relationships to improve understanding and insight of each market, looking to develop existing customer offering and seek out new and innovative ways to grow the international store estate.
• You will support the successful delivery of multiple projects as we continue to develop store format and win further business.

Who you are:

• Experienced negotiation knowledge and skills
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Computer literate - experience using Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
• You will be a confident, credible communicator both internally and externally at all levels of seniority – but with strong experience presenting and managing executive level relationships.
• Capable of being a true ambassador for WHSmith, you will demonstrate a high drive for results, possess strong attention to detail and have proven experience of making sound commercial decisions.
• Ideally you will have worked in Retail and have a good understanding and appreciation of the Retail marketplace both in the UK and Internationally.
• Strong analytical and relationship management skills.
• The successful candidate must have the flexibility for regular international travel as required. This is likely to be at least 1-2 days a week.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and car allowance.
• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance.
• Hybrid working model from home and in the office.
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday.
• Finish at 4pm on a Friday.
• Competitive pension contribution.
• Staff discount card for stores and online.