At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead space optimisation in stores and drive commercial strategies for Fashion, Home, and Beauty.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic and inclusive retail leader transforming the shopping experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on store performance and customer experience in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in space planning or merchandising.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a commercially focused, analytically and visually strong individual who can turn insight into action and deliver space optimisation in stores. You play a central part in shaping how our stores bring the Fashion, Home and Beauty space and transformation strategy to life. Operating across multiple regions within a division, you will lead the application, allocation and optimisation of space through regular store visits, robust grading decisions and macro space changes.
What’s in it for you
- 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household after completing your probationary period.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry-leading parental, adoption, and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist.
- A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you’re passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
What you’ll do
- Drive FHB Space & Grading Across the Division: Oversee all aspects of Fashion, Home and Beauty space and grading within your division, ensuring space is used efficiently, aligns with business strategy and meets customer needs to maximise sales, productivity and ROI.
- Drive commercial Space Optimisation across the Estate: Lead reviews of every store throughout the year using a Red/Amber/Green methodology to assess complexity, identify opportunities, and drive BU space optimisation.
- Analyse store space performance to identify opportunities for macro BU change, using data to build clear, commercially grounded recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Produce PIRs to ensure learnings and insights are embedded into future store proposals.
- Develop & Present Store Block Plans: Create proposed macro space block plans to illustrate space changes, model the commercial benefits, and compile compelling summaries.
- Chair divisional store space surgeries involving Regional managers, Field VM and Space management.
- Ensure commercial, operational and Space priorities are aligned, and that Space macro decision making remains strategic and future-focused.
- Translate Strategy Into Practical Application: With the Store Performance Manager and BU Space Planning teams translate strategy, grading frameworks and space planning principles into actionable plans for each store.
- Use space performance data, modelling tools, and productivity levers to support decision-making and present commercially grounded recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Act as Regional Space Partner and voice of stores: Serve as the primary point of contact for Regional Managers on all FHB space related topics.
- Build trusted relationships with Regional Managers and Store Directors, securing alignment and buy-in to deliver space optimisation with momentum.
- Lead regular visits to stores with senior stakeholders to understand and provide expert guidance on operational realities, customer behaviour and the practicalities of delivering macro moves at scale.
- Support stores in adopting the M&S Way for Space and upskill new Store Managers and Regional Managers in the FHB Space and Transformation strategies.
Who you are
- Strong ability to initiate, build, and sustain relationships, influencing effectively at all levels across the Support Centre and Stores.
- Expert understanding of the Space Planning and Merchandising critical path, process flows, competencies, and related activities, including relevant and essential systems.
- Understanding of the entire store retailing environment, particularly in relation to product delivery, space execution, and operational processes.
- Knowledge of business IT systems and the space planning interdependencies.
- All relevant FH&B, Space & Retail reporting, and merch systems, specifically: Blue Yonder floor planning, RP, MP, GMOR, PowerBI.
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 let us know when completing your application. We will put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Store Space Performance Planner employer: Marks & Spencer Group PLC
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where every employee plays a vital role in delivering quality and value to our customers. With competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, flexible holiday options, and comprehensive wellbeing support, we prioritise the growth and development of our team members through tailored training programmes and a commitment to work-life balance. Join us in shaping the future of retail while enjoying unique perks and a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Space Performance Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research M&S's values, recent projects, and their approach to space optimisation. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to space planning and merchandising. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the M&S family!
We think you need these skills to ace Store Space Performance Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Analytical Skills:Make sure to highlight your analytical abilities in your application. We want to see how you can turn data into actionable insights, especially when it comes to space optimisation. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate this.
Be Visual and Clear:Since the role involves presenting store block plans, it's crucial to showcase your ability to communicate visually. Include any relevant visuals or summaries in your application that illustrate your ideas clearly. We love a good visual presentation!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Store Space Performance Planner role. Mention how your skills align with our goals at M&S and how you can contribute to our transformation strategy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Group PLC
✨Know Your Space
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding space optimisation in retail. Familiarise yourself with how different layouts can impact customer behaviour and sales. Bring examples of successful space planning strategies you've implemented or studied.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since this role involves analysing store performance data, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Think about specific metrics you’ve tracked and how they influenced your recommendations. Show them you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
✨Build Relationships
This position requires strong relationship-building skills. Prepare to share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlight how you’ve influenced decisions at different levels and how you plan to engage with Regional Managers and Store Directors.
✨Present Like a Pro
You’ll need to create and present store block plans, so practice your presentation skills. Be ready to explain your thought process behind space changes clearly and compellingly. Use visuals if possible, as they can help convey your ideas more effectively during the interview.
