Senior Manager, Operations and Analytics

The Senior Manager
, Central Operations and Analytics provides strategic leadership and analytical oversight for Central Operations, ensuring operational alignment across all functions. This role develops the frameworks, tools, and insights that enable executional excellence, optimize processes, and drive profitable growth across WHSmith North America. Acting as the connective link between Finance, Field Operations, and Commercial teams, the Director transforms data into actionable intelligence that strengthens decision-making and performance at every level of the organization.

Pay Range: $,000 annually

Location: This role requires being based within 30 miles of Las Vegas, or the ability to self-relocate by January 31, 2026.

Operational Planning & Performance

• Lead and oversee operational planning, analytics, and performance reporting for Central Operations.
• Design and evolve operational playbooks, standards, and processes that enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Partner with Finance and Field Operations to deliver operational KPIs and data transparency that drive accountability.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and strengthen scalability.

• Develop and maintain performance dashboards and scorecards for KPIs, labor, shrink, compliance, and sales performance.
• Ensure integrity and accuracy of data inputs through standardized reporting and governance models.
• Translate analytics into meaningful insights to inform strategic business decisions.
• Support predictive modeling and forecasting processes to anticipate operational trends and financial outcomes.

• Partner with Commercial, IT, and People teams to align operational analytics with enterprise priorities.
• Lead the development of automation, reporting, and workflow tools to improve visibility and responsiveness.
• Communicate insights and recommendations to senior leaders through clear, visual storytelling and data interpretation.

• Operational KPI Accuracy (%):
  Validity and consistency of reporting.
• Process Efficiency (%):
  Reduction in manual workflows and redundant reporting.
• Reporting Timeliness (%):
  Delivery of performance reports and insights within defined deadlines.
• Data Adoption Rate (%):
  Utilization of tools and dashboards across teams.
• Savings & Value Creation ($):
  Impact of analytics-driven process improvement and optimization initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Analytics, or Operations; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in operations strategy, analytics, or performance management.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale reporting systems and cross-functional collaboration.
• Expert-level proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent analytics platforms.
• Strong communication and storytelling ability with data.
• Demonstrated success influencing executive stakeholders through analytics.

• Operational performance management and analytics.
• Process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Data visualization and automation systems.
• Strategic problem-solving and scenario modeling.
• Change management and stakeholder alignment.
• Cross-functional leadership and communication.

• Strategic thinker with a bias for clarity and simplicity.
• Data-driven leader who bridges analytics and execution.
• Collaborative and adaptable in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Trusted advisor who delivers insight, accountability, and measurable results.

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.

WHSmith North America is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. All questions above are job-related and designed to assess qualifications and experience relevant to the position. Responses will not be used to discriminate or determine eligibility on any basis unrelated to bona fide job requirements.