At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Corporate Affairs Director and drive key business projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join M&S, the UK's most loved retailer, known for innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a team shaping the future of retail while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced environments with strong organisational and communication skills.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of support, diversity, and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced project manager and executive assistant to join the brilliant Corporate Affairs team at M&S. Reporting to the Corporate Affairs Director, the right person will thrive in a fast‑paced environment where strong judgement, sharp organisation and excellent business partner management really make a difference.
You will be:
- supporting the Corporate Affairs Director day‑to‑day, through planning and scheduling
- helping to drive important business projects as a lynchpin of the team immersed in the Corporate Affairs agenda of the UK’s most loved retailer
What You’ll Do
- coordinating key meetings, agendas, actions and follow‑ups to keep plans moving and ensure the right people are involved at the right time
- supporting the delivery of recurring business activity and projects by tracking achievements, managing business partners and maintaining momentum
- owning and maintaining reporting and planning processes, ensuring information is complete, accurate and ready for senior review
- anticipating upcoming priorities and preparing the right materials, discussions and logistics so leaders are well supported
- providing high‑quality diary, travel and expense support while handling sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
Who You Are
- experience working in a busy business environment where you have balanced coordination, planning or executive support responsibilities
- confidence to work with senior business partners, ask questions, challenge constructively and help drive actions to completion
- strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and moving parts with accuracy and pace
- sound judgement, discretion and awareness when handling confidential or sensitive information
- a proactive, self‑starting approach with the ability to spot what is needed, take ownership and adapt as priorities evolve
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
Everyone’s welcome. 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.
Corporate Affairs Project Manager employer: Marks and Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks and Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Affairs Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at M&S on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching M&S's Corporate Affairs agenda. Show us you know what’s going on in the industry and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your project management skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Corporate Affairs team at M&S.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Affairs Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management and executive support. We want to see how your skills align with the fast-paced environment at M&S!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities and deadlines. We love seeing candidates who can juggle tasks like a pro!
Be Professional and Discreet: Since you'll be handling sensitive information, it's crucial to demonstrate your sound judgement and discretion. Share experiences where you've maintained confidentiality in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know the Corporate Affairs Agenda
Before your interview, dive deep into M&S's Corporate Affairs agenda. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong organisational abilities. Think of specific instances where you successfully managed multiple priorities or coordinated complex projects. Be ready to explain how you kept everything on track and ensured timely delivery.
✨Demonstrate Proactive Problem-Solving
M&S values a proactive approach, so come prepared with examples of how you've anticipated challenges in past roles. Discuss how you took ownership of situations and adapted to changing priorities, showcasing your ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with senior business partners, practice articulating how you’ve effectively communicated and collaborated with higher-ups in previous positions. Highlight your confidence in asking questions and driving actions to completion.