Main Accountabilities:
* Experience in developing a robust pipeline of opportunities, ensuring internal monitoring documents and market intelligence are regularly updated and accurate.
* Ownership of the full relationship with our biggest partners in airports.
* Ability to identify new opportunities and conduct detailed research to support potential business cases for investments in new and existing channels and markets.
* Proven experience in account management with current and potential partners.
* Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to collaborate cross-functionally with teams including International Operations, Buying, Finance, Marketing, HR, Space Planning, and Construction to prepare documentation for timely tender submissions, from inception to store opening.
* Lead the compilation and completion of formal tender documents, working closely with Marketing and Brand Design teams to deliver successful bids.
* Prepare and present comprehensive internal business cases and formal board papers to secure approval for capital requests and rental commitments.
* Negotiate contracts to secure the most advantageous terms for WHSmith.
* Coordinate with legal teams and landlords to ensure lease documents and contract amendments are properly executed in line with governance standards.
* Participate in internal meetings on topics like tenders, projects, and monthly management reviews.
* Monitor market developments and competitors to identify impacts on profitability and develop mitigation strategies.
* Manage tender launch meetings with stakeholders and monitor compliance with timelines.
* Disseminate key information from tender documents issued by landlords to internal stakeholders.
* Experience in preparing robust internal business cases and presenting to directors for approvals.
* Lead lease and contract renewal processes, negotiating favorable terms.
* Identify new sales, profit, and unit opportunities through store visits and partner interactions.
* Assess site developments and competitors to mitigate risks to profitability.
* Collaborate with Construction teams to ensure successful project delivery.
* Manage capital expenditure and project performance against expectations.
* Prepare documentation for approval meetings and monthly business development reviews.
Requirements for the role
* Strong commercial awareness.
* Experience in lead generation and partnership approaches.
* Results-oriented with a track record of exceeding targets.
* Experience in relationship management with partners and landlords is highly desirable.
* Excellent communication skills at all levels, including executive.
* Resilient, able to articulate and challenge business decisions effectively.
* Professional and capable of representing the company confidently.
* Self-motivated, able to work independently in a dynamic environment.
* Strong influencing skills internally and externally.
* Flexible and capable of multitasking.
* Team player with good workload management skills.
* Excellent time management and planning skills.
* High drive for results.
* Attention to detail and ability to simplify complex information.
* Willingness and ability to travel within the UK.
What’s in it for you?
We value our people and offer ongoing support, training, and development opportunities. Benefits include a competitive salary, profit-related bonus, 24 days holiday plus your birthday off, pension, and perks like our holiday trading scheme. Successful candidates will need to provide a valid passport and three years of references. Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Key competencies include:
* Communication: Effective planning and delivery of impactful communication.
* Influencing Others: Gaining support for ideas and proposals.
* Building Collaborative Relationships: Developing and maintaining partnerships.
* Forward Thinking: Anticipating implications and preparing accordingly.
* Results Orientation: Focusing on goals, setting challenging targets, and exceeding them.
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