Will Wren
Toton,Nottingham
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in P&L accountability and leadership excellence, demonstrating strong decision-making proficiency and a deep understanding of retail operations. Proven track record in multi-site retail management, effectively managing employee performance and ensuring compliance with HR legislation. Skilled in KPI performance management, fostering resilience and adaptability to drive business success. Committed to leveraging skills in accountability and responsibility to achieve organisational goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Area Manager
WHSmith/TGJones
03.2025 - 07.2025
- Seconded into the area manager role during a restructuring exercise.
- Nurtured collaborative relationships with an extensive business team, broadening professional networks.
- Oversee more than 60 stores along with 10 direct reports, managing a total workforce exceeding 500 employees.
- I’ve been able to adapt quickly to the change of pace and challenges the role now presents.
- Thriving on opportunities to work innovatively and enhance the area results further.
- Demonstrated agility in navigating current circumstances during transition to TGJones and the evolution of management structure.
Cluster Manager
WHSmith
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
11.2020 - 03.2025
- Following a company restructure, induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, I was appointed to the role of Cluster Manager.
- Directed operations across multiple sites while leading a team of Store Leaders to achieve a successful business turnaround post-pandemic.
- Directed operations across 7 stores and 3 Post Offices, handling Training and Development, profit protection, diverse KPIs, and employee expenses.
Store Manager
WHSmith
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
11.2017 - 11.2020
- Addressed prolonged managerial vacancy lasting 9 months, resulting in operational setbacks before Christmas
- Facilitated team engagement to elevate store standards
- Recognised as Regional Store Manager of the Year for the financial year 2017-18 due to exceptional performance in store management.
- In May 2019, the store took over the running of the main Post Office branch in the city.
- Collaborated with Post Office project lead and refit team over 3-month period to ensure timely opening of Post Office
Store Manager
WHSmith
East Retford/Worksop
01.2013 - 11.2017
- This was a new experience managing two locations.
- Independently managed both stores prior to restructuring, after which small to medium stores underwent trial clustering under single management
- Encouraged to engage in alternative approaches and effectively allocate time across both stores.
- Cultivated adaptable team structure allowing seamless movement of staff and supervisors between both stores for optimal support.
- Obtained 'Most Improved Store of the Year' accolade in initial full year at East Retford store.
Store Manager
WHSmith
Sheffield
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Selected for first managerial role as leader of Sheffield Fargate branch, generating £5m p/a
- There were many learning curves in the first year, as the store was in a poor state when I took over.
- Restructured store operations, culminating in recognition as 'The Most Improved Store of the Year' in 2009 and 'Store Manager of the Year' in 2010
Supervisor
WHSmith
Derby, Derbyshire
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Embarked on first management role as Supervisor at Derby.
- Enhanced management skills while in Derby, gaining insights into broader business operations and influences
- Coordinated with other supervisors to maintain consistency.
- Implemented company policies effectively, maintained high standards of service delivery.
Sales Assistant
WHSmith
Nottingham
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Various Sales Assistant roles.
Education
A-levels - I.T, Design, Business Studies, Drama, Graphics
High Pavement sixth Form college
Nottingham 09.1999 - 08.2001
Skills
- P&L accountability
- Leadership excellence
- Accountability and responsibility
- Decision-Making proficiency
- Employee management
- Resilience and adaptability
- Retail operations knowledge
- Multi-site retail management
- KPI performance management
- HR legislation understanding
Affiliations
- Carpentry
- Formula 1
- Tennis
- Gardening
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Area Manager
WHSmith/TGJones
03.2025 - 07.2025
Cluster Manager
WHSmith
11.2020 - 03.2025
Store Manager
WHSmith
11.2017 - 11.2020
Store Manager
WHSmith
01.2013 - 11.2017
Store Manager
WHSmith
01.2007 - 01.2013
Supervisor
WHSmith
01.2005 - 01.2007
A-levels - I.T, Design, Business Studies, Drama, Graphics
High Pavement sixth Form college
09.1999 - 08.2001
Sales Assistant
WHSmith
01.1999 - 01.2005
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