At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting store transformations and ensure top-notch performance across new launches and renewals.
- Company: Join a leading retail brand committed to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of retail while leading dynamic teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in large-scale operations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end to end delivery of all new store launches, renewals, closures, and store environment schemes, ensuring strong performance from pre opening through post launch reviews.
- Drive operational excellence by developing and embedding best in class processes, minimising disruption, and maximising recapture across trading stores.
- Lead, coach, and prioritise a field based team, ensuring clear phasing plans, high standards, and alignment with commercial and operational goals.
- Partner extensively across Retail, Property, Trading, and Finance to influence delivery, shape propositions, and ensure all initiatives are fit for purpose in-store.
- Define and implement the Competition Defence Strategy, embedding governance, reporting, and a targeted, insight‑led approach to protect customer value and sales.
Qualifications
- A proven senior leader with experience delivering large‑scale store programmes, transformation, or multi‑site operations.
- Highly effective at stakeholder management, with the ability to influence across Retail, Property, and cross‑functional leadership teams.
- Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of store operations and the ability to balance customer experience with financial performance.
- A resilient and adaptable leader, able to manage remote teams and navigate complexity, ambiguity, and change.
- An impactful communicator who can create clarity, drive accountability, and lead teams to deliver at pace.
Benefits
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to performance.
- Strong pension and life assurance.
- Tailored induction and training to support development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through the M&S Choices portal.
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Proposed EEO / Accommodation Statement
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. If you feel you’d benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Head of Store Transformation & Competition Defence Strategy employer: Marks and Spencer plc (UK)
As the Head of Store Transformation & Competition Defence Strategy at M&S, you will join a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, flexible holiday options, and comprehensive wellbeing support, M&S is committed to fostering a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives in a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in retail.
Contact Details:
Marks and Spencer plc (UK) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Store Transformation & Competition Defence Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at M&S or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent store transformations and competition strategies. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. We want to hear about your past experiences in leading teams and managing large-scale projects. Make it relatable and impactful!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Store Transformation & Competition Defence Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in store transformation and multi-site operations. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage and coach teams effectively. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and achieved operational excellence.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience:We’re looking for someone who can influence across various departments. Be sure to include instances where you’ve successfully partnered with Retail, Property, or Finance to drive results.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer plc (UK)
✨Know Your Store Transformation Inside Out
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of store transformation and competition defence strategies. Brush up on recent trends in retail operations and be ready to discuss how you've successfully led similar projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to influence and manage stakeholders across various departments. Think about times when you’ve navigated complex relationships and how you ensured alignment with commercial and operational goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you balance customer experience with financial performance. Bring specific examples of how your decisions have positively impacted both areas in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As an impactful communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain your vision for the role and how you would lead teams to deliver results at pace, especially in a remote setting.
