Co-Manager - WHSmith

Co-Manager - WHSmith

Join our Field Team and help shape the future of retail—where innovation, customer connections, and career growth come together in an exciting environment!

The Co-Manager supports the General Manager (GM) in overseeing the daily operations of one or more retail locations, with a strong focus on sales performance, key performance indicators (KPIs), team leadership, and operational excellence. This role ensures a high-energy, customer-focused sales environment, while maintaining store standards, financial controls, and inventory accuracy.

Location: Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666

Schedule: Varies, weekend availability required

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Discount

Job Responsibilities

• Drive a strong sales culture by leading, coaching, and motivating the sales team to achieve and exceed KPI targets
• Oversee daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow
• Maintain accurate financial controls, store organization, and cleanliness, serving as a role model for operational excellence
• Provide performance input and coaching for Customer Service Associates (CSAs), Stock Associates, and Leads, ensuring reviews and feedback are conducted on time
• Collaborate with AGM Operations to assess merchandise performance, including sell-through rates, fit, and popularity trends, to inform inventory decisions
• Leverage store software systems, such as WebIM and Storeforce, to manage inventory, sales tracking, and reporting
• Ensure store compliance with policies, including safety, loss prevention, and company procedures
• Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges, including staffing needs, inventory issues, and customer concerns
• Support visual merchandising efforts, ensuring products are presented according to company standards
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the General Manager

Job Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in a leadership or management role within a fast-paced retail environment or relevant retail training
• Proven ability to drive sales and performance metrics while maintaining a customer-first mindset
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in a high-volume retail setting.
• Proficiency in POS systems, inventory management software, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Flexibility to work varied hours/days, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed
• TAM Card (Alcohol Beverage Awareness Certification) may be required, depending on location
• Security clearance may be required, based on job duties

Additional Requirements

• Limited sitting
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling
• Occasional travel or overnight
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing
• Can distinguish varying or specific colors, patterns, or materials to assist customers
• Fluency in English is required for training, customer interactions, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures
• Typically, indoors
• Typically, in a consistent temperature
• Use of fine motor hand functions
• Lift 0-60 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation

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.

EEO/ADA/DFWP

WHSmith North America is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin/ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, military/veteran status, marital status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.