Retail Change Manager- East

The Retail Change Manager - East, leads the execution of all Retail Change initiatives — including new store openings, remodels, resets, and closures — ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to brand standards. Serving as the field-based liaison between Central Operations, Construction, Commercial, Facilities, and Field Operations, this role ensures flawless project delivery and operational readiness from build to business transition.

Pay Range: $70,000- 110,000 annually

Location: This role requires being based within 30 miles of a US east coast priority airport or the ability to self-relocate by January 31, 2026. (NY Metro, DC, Georgia, Florida)

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead and coordinate all phases of new store openings, remodels, resets, and closures across assigned locations.
• Drive operational readiness, ensuring all pre- and post-opening activities meet WHSmith standards.
• Partner cross-functionally with Construction, Facilities, and Field Operations to monitor timelines, budgets, and readiness milestones.
• Lead on-site project execution and completion of punch lists and Day 2 actions.
• Provide hands-on leadership and oversight during key project stages to guide teams and vendors through setup and merchandising.

Operational Excellence & Process Management

• Maintain visibility to project budgets, vendor performance, and progress against plan.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized Retail Change processes, checklists, and playbooks to ensure consistency.
• Support continuous improvement through post-project evaluations and best practice sharing.
• Identify and resolve field-level challenges quickly, escalating as necessary to maintain schedule and quality.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Commercial, Merchandising, and Operations teams to ensure readiness for turnover.
• Partner with Facilities and external contractors to align on delivery standards, timelines, and compliance.
• Provide clear communication and updates to all stakeholders throughout each project lifecycle.

Key Metrics

• On-time project completion rate.
• Budget adherence (% variance from plan).
• Operational readiness and audit scores.
• Punch list closure rate within defined timeline.
• Transition effectiveness (store performance in first 90 days).

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or Project Management (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of retail operations or project management experience.
• Strong understanding of construction and retail fixture processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with tight deadlines.
• Strong financial and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel frequently for field-based execution.

Skills & Competencies

• Project management and execution expertise.
• Operational readiness and compliance focus.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Collaborative leadership and problem-solving.
• Adaptability, composure, and results orientation.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Leadership Attributes

• Hands-on and highly organized with strong follow-through.
• Builds partnerships and alignment across departments.
• Proactive communicator who anticipates and resolves challenges.
• Upholds WHSmith’s values through accountability, teamwork, and excellence.

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.