Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver top-notch customer service and achieve business goals.
- Company: Join WH Smith, a beloved high street staple with 230 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, up to 50% employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values personal growth and community involvement.
- Qualifications: Retail leadership experience preferred; strong communication and team motivation skills required.
- Other info: Flexible approach needed to support multiple stores in the area.
As a Store Leader in our Borehamwood store, you'll lead and inspire your team to provide exceptional customer service, meet business objectives and create a working environment that helps our colleagues to develop and achieve. We want you, our customers and our colleagues to be proud they're starting and sharing their journeys with us, whether it's their first job, their first day at school, or their first birthday.
What being a Store Leader is all about:
- Guiding and engaging your team to deliver excellent standards and results in line with the Trading plan.
- Reviewing the trading plan with your Cluster Manager and using the scorecard to set and agree key actions and priorities that will lead to success for your store - reporting back to your team on store, cluster and area performance.
- Creating a sense of pride within the store to ensure both colleagues and customer facilities are of a good standard, and that we are operating safely and legally.
- Creating a culture of learning, support and recognition - spotting opportunities for development of personal skills, product knowledge and self-awareness to support our colleagues in an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome.
- Working with Head Office to share your knowledge of the local environment to maximise local opportunities and community involvement.
What our Store Leadership Team would love to see:
- Current/recent retail (or similar) leadership experience (preferably in a fast-paced environment) with working knowledge of KPIs such as ATV and TPC.
- Experience of proactively leading from the front, getting stuck in, and helping your team on the shop floor.
- Flexibility of approach that will allow you to support other stores in the area when needed.
- Ability to build strong relationships and communicate clearly and engagingly at all levels of seniority.
- Experience of supporting employee training and development, and motivating teams adopting an engage rather than tell approach.
How we reward our teams:
We know you'll work hard to make WHSmith a success and keep our customers happy, so as well as your salary, pension scheme, holidays (Management - 33 days including bank holidays) and employee discounts (up to 50%), we'll reward you with a range of deals from retail partners that will help you save money and make memories, whether a delicious meal, an adventurous day out, or tickets to see the latest blockbuster.
Whatever the future brings, our Employee Assistance Programme will support you with help and guidance for your wellbeing whether physical, mental or financial.
About us:
WH Smith has a remarkable heritage and we have occupied our place as the Hub of the High Street and in our customers' hearts for 230 years. But this doesn't mean that we're resting on our laurels. Our stores work hard to make customer and colleague journeys in life possible, marking the milestones with cards and gifts, providing escape and education with our books, and communication and currency in our Post Office Stores.
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.
Store Leader - Borehamwood employer: WHSmith
Contact Detail:
WHSmith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Leader - Borehamwood
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with WHSmith's values and culture. Understanding what makes us unique will help you align your leadership style with our expectations, showing that you're a great fit for the Store Leader role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams in fast-paced environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated your team and achieved KPIs, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive results.
✨Tip Number 3
Think about how you can create a culture of learning and support within your team. Have ideas ready on how you would implement training and development opportunities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build strong relationships. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with various levels of staff in previous roles, as this skill is essential for engaging both your team and management.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Leader - Borehamwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant retail leadership experience, particularly in fast-paced environments. Emphasise your knowledge of KPIs like ATV and TPC, as well as any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for customer service and team development. Share specific examples of how you've successfully motivated teams and created a positive working environment in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: During the application process, be clear about your leadership approach. Highlight your ability to engage with your team, support their development, and foster a culture of recognition and learning.
Research WH Smith: Familiarise yourself with WH Smith's values, history, and community involvement. Understanding the company's heritage and commitment to inclusivity will help you align your application with their ethos.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Store Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated your team, resolved conflicts, or improved performance. Highlight your proactive approach and willingness to get involved on the shop floor.
✨Understand Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Familiarise yourself with relevant KPIs such as Average Transaction Value (ATV) and Transactions Per Customer (TPC). Be ready to discuss how you have used these metrics in previous roles to drive sales and improve customer service. This shows that you understand the business side of retail.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
The role requires flexibility to support other stores when needed. Be prepared to discuss instances where you've adapted to changing circumstances or taken on additional responsibilities. This will demonstrate your commitment to the team's success and your ability to handle challenges.
✨Create a Culture of Learning
Talk about your experience in training and developing team members. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and recognition. This aligns with the company's values and shows that you can contribute to a positive workplace culture.
