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- Tasks: Drive cost-saving initiatives and optimise value across M&S Food.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, ambitious team focused on transformation.
- Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills and experience in cross-functional collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving change in the retail industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Everyone is welcome at M&S. No exceptions. It’s your background, abilities and differences that make you, uniquely you. And when you’re part of M&S, that individuality has the potential to make waves.
Summary
We’re reshaping our Food business to broaden its appeal, protecting the magic our customers love while modernising everything else. That means outstanding quality, high sourcing standards, and market-leading innovation remain at our core, while we transform our supply chains, improve our stores, and deliver better value. We’re looking for motivated people ready to bring their whole self to work and thrive in a fast-paced, ambitious team. After all, this isn’t just food… this is M&S Food.
All the details
You will drive the end to end delivery of cost saving initiatives that help the Food Group meet its Lowering Costs Programme target. Working at the centre of our cost transformation agenda, you will bring together value optimisation, packaging sourcing and cost modelling to unlock efficiencies across the full value chain. You will build a strong pipeline of opportunities, shape ideas quickly and turn them into clear action plans, partnering closely with Trading, Product Development, Technical, Logistics and Supply Chain teams. You will keep delivery moving with pace, track progress, raise risks early and ensure every initiative lands on time with full benefit realisation. You will share insight, surface opportunities and champion continuous improvement to strengthen low cost, efficient ways of working across M&S Food.
Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
What you’ll do
- Own the end to end delivery of cost saving initiatives, from shaping ideas and modelling options through to implementation and benefit tracking, to deliver the Lowering Costs Programme target.
- Build and maintain a dynamic pipeline of value optimisation opportunities across packaged goods, fresh and ambient portfolios, working closely with Trading, Product Development and Technical teams.
- Lead cross functional teams to turn opportunities into action, setting clear plans, agreeing timelines and driving pace so milestones are met.
- Facilitate focused workshops with internal and external partners to generate ideas, solve problems quickly and strengthen low cost ways of working across the value chain.
- Provide clear, consistent weekly reporting that gives senior leaders visibility of progress, risks and new opportunities across the Food Group cost agenda.
Who you are
- A commercially strong problem solver, confident using cost models and data to spot value opportunities and support robust decisions.
- Skilled at working with cross functional teams, you build trusted relationships with colleagues in Trading, Product Development, Technical, Supply Chain, Logistics and suppliers.
- Calm and organised under pressure, you juggle competing priorities, keep work moving and follow through to delivery.
- A clear, adaptable communicator who can bring people with you, influence outcomes and keep stakeholders aligned on plans and progress.
- Curious and improvement focused, you challenge the way things are done today and look for practical ways to embed low cost, efficient ways of working.
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.
Value Optimisation Manager - London, Greater London employer: Marks & Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks & Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Value Optimisation Manager - London, Greater London
✨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 that could make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research M&S’s recent initiatives in cost optimisation and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates right there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Value Optimisation Manager - London, Greater London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Unique Self: When you're writing your application, let your individuality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your background and experiences that make you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the job description. Highlight how your problem-solving abilities and experience in cost optimisation can contribute to M&S's goals. We love seeing how you can fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your ideas and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Early!: Due to high interest, this role may close sooner than expected. We recommend applying as soon as possible through our website to ensure your application is considered. Don’t miss out on the chance to join us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Value Optimisation Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with cost models and data analysis. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to identify value opportunities in previous roles.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role involves working closely with various teams like Trading, Product Development, and Logistics. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments to drive initiatives forward and ensure everyone is aligned.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
M&S is looking for someone who can think on their feet. Think of specific challenges you've faced in past projects and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to facilitate workshops and generate ideas quickly.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and kept them informed about progress and risks in previous projects.
