At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead labour planning and drive continuous improvement across retail operations.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a forward-thinking retail leader.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellness support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team shaping the future of retail.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and analytical skills in retail operations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Your key accountabilities will include:
- 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.
Your skills and experience will include:
- 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.
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.
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.
Head of Store Resourcing & Continuous Improvement employer: Marks & Spencer
At Marks & Spencer, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and forward-thinking employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. As the Head of Store Resourcing & Continuous Improvement, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous colleague discounts, and a strong focus on personal development through tailored training and support. Join us in shaping the future of retail while enjoying a rewarding work environment that values your contributions and prioritises your wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Store Resourcing & Continuous Improvement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase why you’re the right fit for the Head of Store Resourcing & Continuous Improvement role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of your past experiences in labour planning and continuous improvement. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Store Resourcing & Continuous Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in labour planning and continuous improvement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a strong leader, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to manage complex operations. Share specific examples of how you've influenced cross-functional teams and driven efficiency in previous roles. We love seeing real-life impact!
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves a lot of analytical work, make sure to mention your experience with financial modelling and data-driven decision making. We’re keen to know how you’ve used data to improve operational performance in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Store Resourcing & Continuous Improvement role, you should be ready to discuss your experience with financial modelling and workforce planning. Brush up on key metrics and be prepared to share specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This position requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to manage complex retail operations. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in leading teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company's current labour management frameworks and any recent changes in their operational model. Being able to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges in labour planning and continuous improvement, and prepare structured responses that showcase your analytical capabilities and innovative solutions.
