Head of Business Development

**Join Our Team as our new Head of Business Development****:

- Join a global business during an exciting period of growth.
- Lead initiatives to expand our footprint across Australia’s Travel Retail and Hospital F&B sectors.
- Hybrid working arrangements.

**About WHSmith**

WHSmith is a historic British retailer, specialising in news, books and convenience. Our retail stores are in some of the busiest and most exciting airports and our food sites in some of the largest hospitals in the country. Both provide a dynamic and fast-paced work environment that is perfect for driven individuals who thrive on a challenge.

Our company values are Value our People, Drive for Results, Customer Focus & Accountability. As such, we are looking for a talented and driven individual to share our passion for delivering exceptional results and who is committed to helping our business grow and succeed.

**About the Role**

The Head of Business Development is responsible for strategically driving growth for WHSmith Australia by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. Whether this be through tenders, partnerships, or acquisition, the Head of Business Development will ultimately drive market expansion across both the Travel Retail and Hospital Food & Beverage sectors.

Success in this role relies on an exceptional understanding of the travel retail landscape, the ability to forge and sustain strong working relationships, and a commitment to executing end-to-end business development initiatives that align with the WHSmith strategy.

**Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Shape the future of WHSmith by supporting the development and execution of our growth strategy, with a focus on Travel Retail and Hospital F&B.
- Identify and leverage new market opportunities, partnerships, and channels to solidify WHSmith’s footprint in Australia.
- Drive new ventures from concept through to completion, ensuring flawless execution across every phase, engaging multiple internal stakeholders throughout.
- Develop and sustain long-term relationships with strategic partners, including airport landlords, and district health leaders/liaisons.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for new business queries, facilitating clear and proactive communication to optimise commercial and rental terms.
- Build and enhance connections with external leasing agents and landlords, positioning WHSmith as the preferred tenant of choice.
- Spearhead full-cycle initiatives, from opportunity identification through to negotiation, implementation, and post-opening performance reviews.
- Partner with internal teams to ensure project milestones are met, budgets are maintained, and resources are allocated effectively.
- Lead the internal RFP process, from business case development to marketing content coordination and delivery.
- Track and analyse performance metrics on key business development initiatives, using insights to drive continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of our portfolio and provide reliable reporting on future changes and cost projections.
- Deliver regular updates to senior leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities.

**About you***
- Proven track record of building strategic partnerships and delivering measurable growth.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, relationships, and stakeholders end to end.
- Strong negotiation, presentation, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to transform insights into impactful business strategies.
- Understanding of retail lease legislation.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in property development, real estate, or town planning is preferred but no essential.

**Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion**: