At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for technology across M&S stores and ensure effective delivery.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic and inclusive retail leader shaping the future of shopping.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team driving change in retail technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in program leadership and understanding of retail tech environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Technology Blueprint Lead defines the strategy and standards for the technology blueprint across M&S stores. Accountable for defining the outcomes and the journey plan and providing a rolling long term horizon view of the plan and the sequencing. Working with retail, property and technology partners to shape the demand plan ensuring teams are set up to deliver the blueprint consistently.
What's in it for you? Being a part of M&S is exactly that – playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever-evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing outstanding quality, value, and service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us. Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special:
- After completing your probationary period, you’ll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
- 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 to support you and your family.
- 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:
- Own and govern the Store Technology Blueprint as the single source of truth, defining hardware standards, target end‑states, and what 'good' looks like—ensuring it remains stable, with intent, and aligned to roadmaps, supportability, and returns value.
- Lead rolling blueprint planning, maintaining a forward‑looking refresh horizon for all stores, translating Digital & Tech roadmaps into clear, time‑phased technology intent.
- Orchestrate cross‑Digital & Tech demand, aligning multiple domains to surface initiatives early, resolve conflict, and ensure coherent sequencing before reaching delivery teams.
- Partner with Retail Implementation and Property, aligning blueprint intent to delivery realities, providing technical expertise, and ensuring clear handoffs for effective in‑store execution.
- Drive obsolescence planning, governance, and blueprint integrity, ensuring proactive risk management, structured decision‑making, consistent asset alignment, and a trusted, joined‑up view of store technology plans.
Who you are:
- Validated program and portfolio leadership experience, with a consistent track record operating in sophisticated, scalable organisations.
- Deep understanding of retail / technology environments, particularly hardware deployment, lifecycle, and in‑store considerations.
- Strong strategic capability, able to operate across multi‑year horizons while balancing long‑term intent with operational constraints.
- Experience working in matrixed environments, partnering efficiently with implementation teams without direct ownership of execution.
- Highly credible partner manager and communicator, with experience engaging senior technology, property, and operational leaders, and knowledge of obsolescence and lifecycle planning.
Everyone's welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re redefining, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re redefining 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.
Technology Blueprint Lead in City of Westminster employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Joining M&S as a Technology Blueprint Lead means becoming part of a forward-thinking, inclusive team dedicated to redefining the retail landscape. With a strong emphasis on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous discount scheme, and a commitment to wellbeing, M&S fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. Located in a vibrant environment, this role offers unique opportunities for professional growth while contributing to a company that values quality, service, and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Blueprint Lead in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already at M&S. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding M&S's values and how they align with your experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led technology initiatives in retail settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! During interviews, discuss how you've balanced long-term goals with immediate operational needs. This will demonstrate your fit for the Technology Blueprint Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the M&S team.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Blueprint Lead in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in technology and retail. We want to see how your skills align with the Technology Blueprint Lead role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to think long-term and manage complex projects. We’re looking for someone who can balance operational constraints with strategic goals, so share examples that demonstrate this capability.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Know Your Blueprint
Before the interview, make sure you understand the technology blueprint and its significance in retail. Familiarise yourself with M&S's current technology landscape and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic planning and how you've successfully managed technology projects in the past. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to balance long-term vision with operational realities.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Highlight your experience working in matrixed environments. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with various teams, such as retail and property, to ensure successful project delivery and alignment with business objectives.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Technology Blueprint Lead, strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. This will help you engage effectively with senior leaders during the interview.
