Job Description

Format Development Manager
London Head Office, Houndsditch (with travel)
Grade D+

The Opportunity
WHSmith Travel are constantly innovating. Whether that be with our store formats, locations or ranges within store, our business never stands still. We now have an exciting opportunity to join our Format and Proposition team.

This position will report directly to the Insight & Format Lead and will be responsible for the strategy, direction and delivery of our format and proposition initiatives. This is a key initiative for WHSmith Travel, and a vital pillar to WHSmith Travel’s strategic growth. It’s a high profile and one that requires the successful applicant to manage, build and deliver an end to end model. 

What you’ll do
You will be accountable for the end to end scope, strategy, design and build of our propositions and models. Working closely across departments you’ll plan and define the project scope to ensure clear, agreed and deliverable objectives. Working cross functionally with senior stakeholders you’ll manage progress to ensure other departments are on track with their accountabilities, escalating and influencing senior stakeholders along the way to mitigate any issues impacting the project delivery.

With this being such a vital business area you’ll be visible as the single point of contact and expert across our Travel Formats and Propositions. Providing advice on the management of projects, controlling quality and recommending improvements and changes where appropriate. Creating accurate and precise project documentation (including charts, schedules and progress reports) you’ll monitor and manage risks, issues and progress accordingly. 

Who we’re looking for

• Previous experience in high-profile project / programme management positions will be key.
• You’ll need to have good commercial acumen, with the ability to interrogate P&L’s, performance detail, modelling of trials, margins of product.
• Previous Retail / FMCG experience is highly advantageous, or a background in working on large scale retail proposition projects.
• Previous experience of being able to communicate, pull a plan together and present this is mandatory.
• Impeccably organised, methodical and with high attention to detail you’ll be able to work under pressure, to tight deadlines with pace, proactively and flexibly.  
• Strong communicator, written and oral, able to interact, influence and engage with multiple stakeholders including at board level with gravitas and credibility.
• A high level of analysis experience along with an analytical mindset is required, with strong commercial acumen and experience including profit and loss, future feasibility and modelling, post completion analysis and being able to analyse sales trends, keep your ear to the ground with competitor activity.

What’s in it for you? 
You’ll be at of the hub of an incredibly fast-moving function and you’ll be trusted to make decisions that benefit the business. It’s a serious responsibility – which will seriously motivate you. You’ll thrive on the freedom and the chance to use your skills and will be supported with plenty of training and development opportunities. 

What’s more, you can expect some fab rewards, including an achievable annual bonus, 25 days’ holiday (and the option to buy more), private medical insurance and a car allowance. Plus, a competitive pension, the perks of your birthday off and an early finish on Fridays, and lots more! Our London Head Office is only a five minute walk from Liverpool Street tube and close to lots of shops, bars and restaurants.