At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting store transformations and ensure top-notch performance from launch to review.
- Company: Join a leading retail brand committed to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping store experiences and driving operational success.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in large-scale store programmes 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 in London employer: Marks and Spencer plc (UK)
As the Head of Store Transformation & Competition Defence Strategy at M&S, you will join a company renowned for its commitment to operational excellence and employee development. With a strong focus on collaboration across various departments, M&S fosters a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and customer satisfaction, while offering competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, flexible holiday options, and comprehensive wellbeing support. This role not only provides the opportunity to lead impactful store initiatives but also encourages personal growth through tailored training and a supportive environment.
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 in London
✨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 open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to store transformation and competition strategies. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’ll help you showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through change and delivered results. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to influence and drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Store Transformation & Competition Defence Strategy in London
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 influence teams. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and delivered results, as this will resonate with us at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is seen by the right people and helps us streamline the process for you!
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 and be ready to discuss how you would lead new store launches and closures effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing stakeholders across various functions like Retail, Property, and Finance. Be ready to explain how you've influenced decisions and shaped propositions in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Operational Excellence
Think about specific processes you've developed or improved in previous positions. Be prepared to discuss how you minimised disruption and maximised performance in trading stores, as this will show your operational savvy.
✨Communicate with Impact
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. As an impactful communicator, you should be able to convey complex ideas simply and drive accountability within teams. Use examples from your past to illustrate your communication style.
