At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead labour planning and continuous improvement to enhance customer experience across UK stores.
- Company: Join M&S, a fast-moving and inclusive retail giant with a strong sense of purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative office environment three days a week for creativity and connection.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail while driving efficiency and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in retail operations and expertise in labour planning.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
We’re looking for a strategic and commercially driven Head of Resourcing & Continuous Improvement to lead how we plan, deploy, and optimise labour across all UK stores. This role is critical in ensuring the right resource is in place to deliver exceptional customer experience, while driving efficiency and strengthening the store operating model through continuous improvement. You’ll combine deep expertise in labour planning with transformation leadership—shaping future capability, influencing senior stakeholders, and embedding a culture of data‑led decision making and continuous improvement.
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.
What You’ll Do
- Lead labour planning and forecasting, ensuring the right resources are in place to deliver service, sales, and operational efficiency across stores.
- Define and embed best‑in‑class labour management frameworks, including budgeting, deployment, and long‑term capacity planning.
- Build and influence cross‑functional relationships to ensure labour plans reflect business priorities and changes across the organisation.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the store estate, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and strengthen the operating model.
- Partner with Technology and stakeholders to shape the future labour management roadmap and embed a sustainable CI culture.
Who You Will Be
- A strong leader with experience managing complex retail operations and labour planning at scale.
- Commercially and analytically strong, with expertise in financial modelling, workforce planning, and performance measurement.
- Highly effective in stakeholder management, able to influence across senior leaders and cross‑functional teams.
- Deep understanding of retail operations, with the ability to translate insight into practical, scalable solutions.
- Organised, strategic, and forward‑thinking, with a passion for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
What you will bring
- Proven expertise in labour planning, workforce modelling, and operational performance within a retail environment.
- Strong analytical capability, including financial modelling, work measurement, and data‑driven decision making.
- Experience leading continuous improvement or transformation initiatives at scale.
- Ability to influence and align senior stakeholders across multiple business functions.
- A strategic, commercially focused mindset with a drive to improve efficiency and customer outcomes.
Benefits
- 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.
- 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.
Head of Workforce Management and Productivity employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic employer that values collaboration and continuous improvement. As the Head of Workforce Management and Productivity, you'll be at the forefront of shaping our labour strategy, supported by a culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive benefits, a strong sense of purpose, and a commitment to operational excellence, M&S offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Workforce Management and Productivity
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Marks & Spencer Plc!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Marks & Spencer Plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Workforce Management and Productivity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Marks & Spencer Plc. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Marks & Spencer Plc and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Marks & Spencer Plc. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Marks & Spencer Plc's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Marks & Spencer Plc.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Marks & Spencer Plc will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Marks & Spencer Plc and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
