Head of International Marketing - 6 Month FTC

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Commercial team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work.

We are looking for a Head of International Marketing to join our International Travel business on a 6-month fixed-term contract, based at our Head Office in Aldgate, London. In this role, you will be a key member of both the Marketing and International Commercial Leadership teams.

The main purpose of this role is to lead the customer plan and marketing operating model across WHSmith and InMotion International, ensuring world-class, insight-led marketing execution by location throughout the year. You will maximise commercial return through increasing sales and supporting supplier investment opportunities for the commercial team, while ensuring our stores and Franchise Partners have industry-leading marketing collateral in a timely and cost-effective manner.

What you will be doing:

• Drive an insight-led WHSmith customer plan by location, providing clear direction on customer messaging throughout the year.
• Develop and implement the customer plan for InMotion International, aligning with UK insight and brand direction while adapting for multiple markets.
• Provide direction for all International marketing communications, supporting new business opportunities through tender/landlord pitches, and growth with Joint Venture and Franchise Partners.
• Work with senior commercial leadership to ensure trade marketing activity delivers against the customer plan and maximises sales and profit.
• Manage and develop a team of two, leading the Promotional Planning Process and Critical Path, ensuring creative execution, sign-off, and timely delivery in-store.
• Evaluate all campaigns and marketing activities with clear financial measures.
• Manage the overall Marketing, Promotions, and Print budget, identifying cost efficiencies and opportunities to leverage scale and local route-to-market opportunities.
• Ensure robust processes for the efficient delivery of advertising, promotions, and marketing campaigns, with continual process improvement planning.
• Act as brand custodian for International, overseeing creative approvals for supplier/third-party initiatives, new store openings, and refurbishments across JV and Franchise Partners.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, supporting members of the executive team where appropriate.

What we are looking for:

• Senior-level experience within a marketing function, preferably within retail or FMCG.
• Experience working across International/European markets or success across multiple geographic areas.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a proven track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Strong project management skills, with experience handling a high volume of projects in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Strong financial management skills with experience overseeing an annual budget.
• Outstanding communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially astute with a deep understanding of the retail sector and customer needs.
• Ability to see the ‘big picture’ while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Highly organised, calm under pressure, and able to multi-task effectively.
• A collaborative team player who thrives on pace, innovation, and driving customer-led initiatives.

How we reward our teams:

• Competitive salary and car allowance
• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
• Hybrid working model (3 days London office, 2 days from home)
• 25 days holiday, plus your birthday off, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days
• Family-friendly leave policies
• Private medical insurance
• Company pension scheme
• Sharesave scheme
• Staff discount card for stores and online
• 4pm Friday finish

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people, and the communities we serve.

Our International Travel office is based in a buzzing part of London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration, and innovation, resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. If you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!