At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation projects across M&S's International business and drive change in multiple markets.
- Company: Join the iconic M&S team, known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and community support.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of retail on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex transformations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
At M&S, our International business plays a key role in bringing our iconic food, home and clothing products to over 32 million customers worldwide. We’re passionate about sharing the best of M&S with new audiences, tailoring our offer to the markets we operate in and driving ambitious growth as we look to double the business over the next few years.
We’re looking for a Programme Manager International to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract and help deliver transformation across our International FH&B business, aligned to key UK FH&B strategic priorities. This is a brilliant opportunity to own and drive change across multiple selling channels and markets, helping shape how we work, how we sell and how we deliver for our customers.
You’ll bring strong experience of leading complex change, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, influence at all levels and keep teams focused on the end goal. Joining a team of Programme Managers who act as a centre of excellence for project and programme management across International, you’ll play a key part in delivering meaningful transformation and supporting the next phase of our growth.
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Co-ordinate and lead activity across the 12+ workstreams, ensuring dependencies are managed and activity is appropriately sequenced.
- Work closely with the International FH&B teams to communicate, deliver and embed the transformation into the International teams to deliver the required business outcomes.
- Support with the preparation of strategy papers, linking into the relevant teams in the UK FH&B business to ensure alignment on key outcomes and roadmaps.
- Oversee initiatives at all points of the programme lifecycle, from creating scope, objectives and investment cases, through to delivery, embedding into BAU and outcome delivery.
- Establish and manage governance frameworks, including reporting cadence, escalation paths, and decision-making protocols.
- Develop and own the critical path plan for delivery, identifying and managing interdependencies between workstreams and other business activity.
Who you are:
- Experience leading complex transformation programmes in either consulting or a consumer facing industry.
- Able to communicate strategic direction clearly and collaborate across the business to ensure alignment with broader organisational strategies and goals.
- Technical project/programme management qualification is preferred (PRINCE2 / APM / MSP etc.).
- Able to manage and balance priorities across programmes.
- Able to effectively lead change across different business units, functions, teams, and balance the needs of different stakeholders.
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value, and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast-moving, and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 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.
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.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.
Programme Manager International employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly within the Corporate HR technology team. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits. Working in a dynamic location, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that enhance the colleague experience throughout their journey with the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager International
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Marks and Spencer. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Marks and Spencer.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Marks and Spencer.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager International
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Marks and Spencer and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Marks and Spencer will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Marks and Spencer.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Marks and Spencer.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Marks and Spencer. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
