At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects to enhance finance processes and improve customer experiences.
- Company: Dynamic brand-focused company committed to operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and exciting challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving improvements in finance and operations.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Support the Brands Operational Excellence team and Finance Teams to scale and improve processes and systems to ensure we provide the best experience for our customers, brand partners and colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Project manage invoicing/payment e2e for Brands, including but not limited to:
- Work with Finance to review and overhaul Procure to Pay (P2P) process for Brands
- Identify root causes of issues across multiple areas (e.g. Product Setup, Supply Chain), identify and implement fixes
- Create and embed effective governance, reporting and KPIs to ensure an efficient and effective operation
- Deliver objectives on time, to the right quality and to budget
- Identify and flag risks and issues, and initiate appropriate mitigation/corrective action where required
- Communicate across partner teams and key stakeholders to keep them engaged throughout the project lifecycle
- Identify KPIs for projects and then embed robust mechanisms to track against these KPIs
- Manage multiple cross-functional stakeholders across the business to ensure successful delivery of change
- Troubleshoot and solve issues that arise
- Identify where projects can be expanded to 'go further' than 3PB to impact and drive improvement across the M&S business; understand and detail interdependencies between projects and across Business Units
- Identify and prioritise changes in the reporting (internal and external) and invoicing/payment processes, including:
- Customer, Brand Partner and Colleague pain points
- Missing capability vs. best-in-class Brand retailers
- Opportunities to simplify, automate and offshore
- Portfolio of short term projects and longer term projects (5 year timeframe)
- Direct and coordinate internal and external resources (SMEs, Stakeholders and partners) in a cohesive manner to ensure project success
- Work closely with Brand partners to understand their needs and drive improvements in the operational partnership
Who you are
- An experienced Project Manager with a background in leading project/programme management
- Able to demonstrate a proven record of scoping, building and delivering complex and fast paced projects, to time, cost, scope and benefit
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to challenge, influence and inform stakeholders and Brands
- Experience of working across different partner teams
- Comfortable with ambiguity, with the ability to adapt quickly and effectively
- Strong analytical skills and working with large data sets
- (Preferred) experience working with Tech teams
- (Preferred) understanding of and experience in Finance processes
- (Preferred) understanding and experience working with large data sets
Senior Project Manager - Brands’ Finance & Reporting employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
As a Senior Project Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and excellence. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages growth and creativity, all while being part of a leading brand in the finance and reporting sector. Join us in our vibrant location, where your contributions will directly impact our operations and enhance the experience for our customers and partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager - Brands’ Finance & Reporting
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Project Manager - Brands’ Finance & Reporting at Marks & Spencer Plc!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Marks & Spencer Plc or be willing to refer you for that Senior Project Manager - Brands’ Finance & Reporting position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Marks & Spencer Plc who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Project Manager - Brands’ Finance & Reporting star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Project Manager - Brands’ Finance & Reporting role at Marks & Spencer Plc!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager - Brands’ Finance & Reporting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Marks & Spencer Plc. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Marks & Spencer Plc. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
