Overview
At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. We serve over 60 million passengers each year across Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, connecting people to destinations worldwide. We are investing in the future of London Stansted Airport and are leading a major transformation programme to shape the future retail experience while delivering commercial growth.
We are a diverse employer committed to inclusion, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for career development.
Benefits
- Flexible and generous company pension with employer contributions of up to 8%
- Free parking
- Subsidised public transport
- Wide range of company discounts
- Two paid volunteering days each year
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
- Care Concierge support service
Role
Head of Retail Transformation, you will lead the retail workstream within London Stansted Airport's Transformation Programme, ensuring the future retail proposition aligns with our commercial strategy and long-term objectives. You will work with the Retail Director, Commercial teams and Transformation Programme to ensure retail requirements are central to planning, design and delivery.
You will oversee the delivery of a retail strategy that supports passenger growth from 30 million to over 43 million passengers by FY34, including the creation of 40 new retail units, expansion of the airport\'s airside retail footprint to 20,000sqm, and delivery of a retail business plan that grows from £110m to £180m+.
This is a highly visible leadership role where you\'ll influence senior stakeholders, manage complex programmes, lead major tender processes and maximise commercial opportunities throughout the transformation journey. Following completion of the programme, you\'ll transition into the Head of Retail, leading the Retail Category team to drive continued performance.
What will make you successful
We are looking for an experienced commercial leader who combines strategic thinking with delivery excellence.
- Significant experience leading large-scale retail, commercial or transformation programmes within complex, customer-focused environments.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build cross-functional relationships.
- Experience managing complex projects from strategy through delivery, balancing commercial priorities with operational requirements.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience developing business cases and delivering ambitious financial targets.
- Experience managing competitive tender processes, supplier engagement and commercial negotiations.
- Ability to operate effectively within live operational environments, balancing customer experience with project delivery.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence presenting complex information to senior leadership teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and resolve challenges.
- Experience working with retailers, contractors, consultants and external partners at senior levels.
- Ideally, over 10 years\' experience in retail, commercial, aviation, infrastructure or major transformation environments.
This role suits someone who enjoys operating at pace, influencing strategic decisions and delivering transformational change with lasting commercial impact.
Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments
We\'re building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We\'re on a mission to be number one in our industry, and there\'s space for your unique strengths to shine. We are Disability Confident and welcome adjustments to support your application or interview.
We are committed to helping you perform at your best. At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities include Women\'s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.
Retail Transformtion Manager employer: MAG (Airports Group)
MAG (Airports Group) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer service excellence and employee growth. Located at Manchester Airport, our team enjoys unique benefits such as free on-site parking, generous employee discounts, and ample opportunities for career development in the dynamic hospitality sector. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values flexibility and fosters a rewarding work environment.
