Area Manager
Based; Field based role - London / Home Counties
With a rich heritage and a new name, TGJones is the fresh face of a much-loved and trusted British brand. Our roots lie in WHSmith, where we've proudly supported the high street retail estate for generations. Now, under the ownership of specialist retail investors, Modella Capital, we're entering an exciting new chapter with bold ambitions to become '
Your Hub of the High Street
'.
About the role
We're seeking a driven, dynamic, and proactive
Area Manager
to join our High Street Retail Operations team.
Our Store teams are the heartbeat of WHSmith so we're looking for an engaging, driven, articulate Area Manager to support our Mid/North England High Street Region. As the Area Manager you will lead, coach and develop your team of around 9/10 Cluster Managers to deliver the High Street Plan, with the vision to become the UKs number one Stationer, Bookseller and Newsagent.
You will work closely with the Regional Sales and Operations Managers, Head Office Specialist teams and your managers to deliver long term profitable sales and growth through applying an Every Person, Every Minute & Every Customer Matters approach, delivering budgets and protecting assets by ensuring consistent delivery across all clusters including legal, health and safety and legislative requirements are met.
This is a fantastic opportunity, where you will use your leadership experience to support future growth and development, energising and developing your teams to ensure they're delivering excellent financial and operational standards and performance, providing clear and meaningful feedback to stakeholders and the wider business to support future growth and development through the Retail 3 Lenses. By engaging your team, you will also be able to really shape the culture and in turn, create a sense of pride across your region.
About you
We're looking for visionary leaders who are driven to build impactful careers, not just pursue roles. Individuals who are intellectually curious, deeply committed, and rich in ideas. You'll join a dynamic organisation that prioritises innovation, fosters strategic collaboration, and is dedicated to sustainable, long-term growth. Experience required for this role will include;
* Previous experience in a multi-site role is required, responsible for circa 50+ retail stores
* Can successfully balance management and leadership: has the ability to energise, influence and motivate Clusters to deliver exceptional service and performance, whilst leading with respect and autonomy
* High level of emotional intelligence; able to self-reflect and regularly seeks feedback to develop
* Ability to deliver exceptional operational performance
* Articulate, credible and engaging communicator, at all levels of seniority
* Organised, proactive and able to prioritise at pace in a fast-paced retail environment
* Experience managing the employee lifecycle from recruitment, onboarding and ongoing performance reviews, with proven people development experience
* Strong stakeholder management experience: able to influence and communicate with peers, head office colleagues and senior stakeholders with gravitas and conviction
* Proven ability to motivate teams and build strong relationships even when working remotely
About us
Joining TGJones means becoming part of a company that values its people as its greatest asset. We are a team that values people, invests in development, and encourages ideas. We foster an inclusive, collaborative and supportive culture where everyone is empowered to make a difference. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, TGJones offers a welcoming environment, real opportunities to grow, and the satisfaction of working for a company that genuinely cares.
Company benefits include cash/car allowance, private medical, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday off, holiday trading scheme, annual company bonus, family friendly leave, employee discounts, free coffee Wednesdays and much more
At TGJones, we're all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you - you're welcome here. If you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we're happy to help.
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