Programme Manager International

Programme Manager International

Temporary 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead transformation across our International business and drive change in multiple markets.
  • Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer with a strong commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
  • Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on collaboration and personal development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of retail and making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading complex programmes and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

At M&S, our International business plays a key role in bringing our iconic food, home and clothing products to over 32 million customers worldwide. We’re passionate about sharing the best of M&S with new audiences, tailoring our offer to the markets we operate in and driving ambitious growth as we look to double the business over the next few years.

We’re looking for a Programme Manager International to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract and help deliver transformation across our International FH&B business, aligned to key UK FH&B strategic priorities. This is a brilliant opportunity to own and drive change across multiple selling channels and markets, helping shape how we work, how we sell and how we deliver for our customers.

You’ll bring strong experience of leading complex change, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, influence at all levels and keep teams focused on the end goal. Joining a team of Programme Managers who act as a centre of excellence for project and programme management across International, you’ll play a key part in delivering meaningful transformation and supporting the next phase of our growth.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Your key accountabilities will include:

  • Co-ordinate and lead activity across the 12+ workstreams, ensuring dependencies are managed and activity is appropriately sequenced.
  • Work closely with the International FH&B teams to communicate, deliver and embed the transformation into the International teams to deliver the required business outcomes.
  • Support with the preparation of strategy papers, linking into the relevant teams in the UK FH&B business to ensure alignment on key outcomes and roadmaps.
  • Oversee initiatives at all points of the programme lifecycle, from creating scope, objectives and investment cases, through to delivery, embedding into BAU and outcome delivery.
  • Establish and manage governance frameworks, including reporting cadence, escalation paths, and decision-making protocols.
  • Develop and own the critical path plan for delivery, identifying and managing interdependencies between workstreams and other business activity.

Who you are:

  • Experience leading complex transformation programmes in either consulting or a consumer facing industry.
  • Able to communicate strategic direction clearly and collaborate across the business to ensure alignment with broader organisational strategies and goals.
  • Technical project/programme management qualification is preferred (PRINCE2 / APM / MSP etc.).
  • Able to manage and balance priorities across programmes.
  • Able to effectively lead change across different business units, functions, teams, and balance the needs of different stakeholders.

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 are disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We are 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.

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.

Programme Manager International employer: Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee growth, making it a fantastic place for those looking to thrive in the retail sector. With flexible working hours and a commitment to personal development, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their roles while contributing to a dynamic and supportive work culture. Join us in shaping a greener, more inspiring future in retail, where your contributions truly matter.

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Contact Details:

Marks & Spencer Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Programme Manager International

Tap into Consulting Networks

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Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time

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Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards

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We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager International

Programme Management
Change Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Communication
Project Lifecycle Management
Governance Frameworks
Dependency Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!

Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.

Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Marks & Spencer and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.

Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.

How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer

Prepare for Case Studies

In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Marks & Spencer will want to see.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Marks & Spencer.

Highlight Your Adaptability

Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Marks & Spencer.

Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit

Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Marks & Spencer. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.