At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial initiatives for M&S Travel Money across in-store and online channels.
- Company: Join M&S, a leader in retail innovation and customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping customer journeys and driving performance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in retail with strong commercial acumen and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
This role will hold end-to-end commercial responsibility for M&S Travel Money, setting the commercial laydown and translating strategic priorities into measurable performance across a high-profile omnichannel business. As our Commercial Manager, you'll turn customer insight, market trends, and financial data into bold, commercial opportunities: leading our in-store and digital strategy from concept and business case through to test, implementation and scale. You'll bring strong commercial acumen, curiosity and confident leadership to unite Retail, Digital & Technology, Marketing, Operations, Finance and external partnership teams around a shared ambition: delivering simpler customer journeys, stronger trading performance and scalable innovation. If you thrive in fast-moving environments, influence with evidence and turn complex challenges into measurable results, this is your opportunity to make a visible impact on a high-profile, omnichannel business.
What you'll do:
- Lead end-to-end Travel Money commercial initiatives across in-store and online channels, using customer insight, market benchmarking and technology-led solutions.
- Translate customer, business and commercial requirements into clear trading opportunities, quantified business cases and measurable delivery plans.
- Drive cross-functional initiatives from concept to delivery, aligning Retail, Digital & Technology, Marketing, Operations, Finance and external partners.
- Shape pilot programmes, test and learn activity, feasibility assessments and senior stakeholder recommendations to support scalable delivery.
- Own performance measures, risk management and data-led improvement to optimise customer experience, trading performance and channel propositions.
Who you are:
- Commercial leader with proven experience taking trading and customer-led initiatives from concept through to delivery in a retail environment.
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret complex information, build business cases, evaluate investment opportunities and measure performance.
- Customer-focused and data-driven, balancing customer experience, operational feasibility and business outcomes to shape clear recommendations.
- Confident communicator and influencer, able to engage senior stakeholders and build alignment across Retail, Digital & Technology, Marketing, Operations, Finance and external partners.
- Curious, innovative and solutions-focused, with a track record of using insight and best practice to deliver measurable improvements in customer and colleague experience.
What's in it for you?
- 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 your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our 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.
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We're transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. 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.
Commercial Manager employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Technical Programme Manager, you will have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on customer experiences through cutting-edge technology and loyalty initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Commercial Manager at Marks and Spencer!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Marks and Spencer or be willing to refer you for that Commercial Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Marks and Spencer who’s on the lookout for their next Commercial Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Commercial Manager role at Marks and Spencer!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Marks and Spencer. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Marks and Spencer. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
