Business Development Manager

WHSmith North America is seeking TWO motivated and adaptable Managers, Business Development to join our growing team.

1) Manager, Business Development - WEST

2) Manager, Business Development - EAST

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.

These roles offer an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn directly from seasoned professionals, including the Senior Vice President of Business Development for the North American East region.

As a key support role on the Business Development team, you will assist in the proposal development process, help build relationships with external partners, and contribute to identifying new opportunities for growth. This position is ideal for someone who is ready to learn the fundamentals of business development in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while building a career in the dynamic world of airport retail.

Benefits & More

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Flexible Time Off
• 401k with company match
• Employee Discount
• Paid Parental Leave

Job Responsibilities

Relationship Management:

• Assist in maintaining positive communication with airport landlords/clients by attending virtual or in-person meetings and taking notes for follow-up actions.
• Coordinate communication with brands, vendors, and partners, including gathering and organizing required documents (e.g., Non-Disclosure Agreements and Letters of Intent).
• Participate in quarterly virtual meetings with Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) joint venture business partners.

Business Development Support:

• Assist in research and data gathering to identify new business opportunities and potential partnerships in target markets.
• Help organize and maintain outreach efforts to brands and vendors for upcoming RFPs.
• Support the development of professional PowerPoint presentations for brands, partners, and internal communications.

RFP Process Support:

• Support the RFP process by assisting in concept planning, coordinating with joint venture partners, and preparing proposal documents.
• Provide support during airport interviews and lease negotiations, including scheduling, material preparation, and logistics.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Develop strong working relationships with local, regional, and corporate teams at WHSmith North America.
• Provide support for special projects and cross-functional initiatives as directed by the VP of Business Development.

Organizational Alignment & Growth:

• Conduct yourself in alignment with WHSmith North America’s mission, vision, core values, and commitment to organizational health.
• Embrace other duties and challenges as they arise, with the mindset that every task is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Job Requirements

• 2 years of experience in a business-related role (sales, finance, merchandising, buying, consulting, or similar) is preferred but not required.
• A strong desire to learn and grow in business development is essential – attitude and potential matter most.
• Experience in project management is helpful but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to think on your feet and solve problems in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are preferred.

Travel & Flexibility

• Flexibility to work outside of traditional 9-to-5 hours as needed to support project timelines and deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required (up to 25–50%), including occasional short-notice trips to project sites and meetings.

Preferred Location:

• Candidates based in Las Vegas (WHSmith North America headquarters) or in a city that supports efficient travel within the East Coast North American region, including Denver and all cities east of Denver are preferred.

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. At WHSmith North America, it’s about each person bringing passion and skills to a dynamic and inclusive workplace