Store Manager (Starbucks)

The Store Manager leads end-to-end operations of a licensed Starbucks café at Dulles International Airport (IAD), overseeing people leadership, financial performance, brand standards, and daily operational excellence. As the first Manager within WHSmith’s Starbucks program, this role helps establish operational discipline and supports future airport store launches, with the opportunity to expand in scope as the program grows.Location: Dulles International Airport (IAD)Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipOwn all daily store operations, ensuring consistent execution of Starbucks standards, licensed store requirements, and WHSmith operating proceduresLead store readiness for opening, including equipment validation, supply flow, staffing, training completion, and operational testingEnsure compliance with food safety, health department, airport authority, TSA, and Starbucks audit requirementsMaintain high standards for cleanliness, food safety, product quality, and customer experience at all timesProactively identify operational risks and implement corrective actionsPeople Leadership & StaffingRecruit, hire, onboard, and develop baristas and shift supervisorsBuild and maintain a strong leadership bench through coaching, performance feedback, and developmentCreate schedules that align labor to forecasted demand while controlling labor costFoster a positive, accountable, and inclusive team culture aligned to Starbucks and WHSmith valuesAddress performance issues promptly and fairlyFinancial & Performance ManagementOwn store-level P&L drivers including:LaborSales performanceWaste and shrinkProductivity and throughputAnalyze sales trends, transaction volume, and operational metrics to drive continuous improvementExecute inventory management processes to ensure product availability while minimizing wastePartner with Regional and Central Operations teams on performance reviews and improvement plansStarbucks Brand & ComplianceServe as the on-site Starbucks brand owner, ensuring compliance with:Starbucks Licensed Store Leader standardsTraining completion requirementsProduct, equipment, and merchandising standardsHealth and safety standardsPrepare for and successfully complete Starbucks audits and operational reviewsMaintain strong working relationships with Starbucks support partners as requiredStakeholder & Program CollaborationPartner closely with:Regional ManagerCentral Operations / Starbucks Program LeadFacilities, IT, Supply Chain, and Training partnersProvide feedback on SOP effectiveness, operational gaps, and improvement opportunitiesSupport future store openings through knowledge transfer, mentoring, and best-practice sharing as the program expandsQualificationsRequired5+ years of multi-unit or high-volume retail or food service management experienceProven success leading teams in fast-paced, operationally complex environmentsStrong understanding of labor planning, inventory control, and cost managementExperience with food safety, health inspections, and operational auditsAbility to operate effectively in a regulated airport environment (or willingness to learn quickly)Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive accountability and resultsPreferredPrevious Starbucks management experience (corporate or licensed)Airport, travel retail, or high-volume QSR experienceExperience opening new locations or stabilizing underperforming storesFamiliarity with licensed brand compliance modelsKey CompetenciesOperational disciplinePeople development & coachingBias for actionStrong communication and follow-throughComfort operating with structure, standards, and accountabilityAbility to scale processes as the business growsAbout UsWHSmith 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.Equal Opportunity StatementWHSmith 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!