At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytics strategy to transform data into actionable insights for customer and commercial success.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking leader in retail with a strong sense of purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping analytics and leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in MI, reporting, and analytics within customer-focused businesses.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Summary
A high-impact leadership role at the heart of Financial Services and Payments, responsible for transforming data into actionable insight that improves customer outcomes and commercial performance.
Working across products, partners and channels, you'll shape analytics capability, influence strategy and lead a team that brings clarity to complex business challenges.
What you'll do
- Lead the FS & Payments data, MI and analytics strategy, delivering trusted insight that supports customer outcomes, commercial performance and business priorities.
- Own the end-to-end analytics and reporting capability, developing scalable dashboards, frameworks and data solutions that drive informed decision-making.
- Partner with D&T, senior stakeholders and external providers to shape data infrastructure, governance, compliance and data-sharing capabilities across the FS portfolio.
- Generate actionable customer, product and commercial insight, identifying opportunities, risks and growth initiatives while translating complex analysis into clear recommendations.
- Lead and develop a high-performing analytics team, setting priorities, assuring quality and embedding best practice across data, insight and reporting.
Who you are
- Significant experience leading MI, reporting and analytics capabilities within a complex, customer-focused business.
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to turn data into actionable insight that drives performance and growth.
- Expertise in developing scalable reporting, dashboards and performance frameworks, supported by robust data governance and quality standards.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with experience presenting insight and recommendations to senior leaders.
- Proven people leadership capability, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and delivering high-quality analytical output.
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
- 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.
Lead Commercial Analyst - Financial Services employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer Plc is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Salford. Employees benefit from a competitive package, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead cutting-edge HR technology initiatives, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Commercial Analyst - Financial Services
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Marks & Spencer Plc. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Commercial Analyst - Financial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Marks & Spencer Plc.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Marks & Spencer Plc's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Marks & Spencer Plc.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Marks & Spencer Plc will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Marks & Spencer Plc employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
