At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Tactical Space Programme, optimising store layouts and enhancing customer experience.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retailer committed to quality and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful change in retail while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail change programmes and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
- 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
This is an exciting opportunity to join the FH&B Space Planning team at a pivotal moment, as we deliver ambitious and impactful change across the estate. The Programme Manager - Tactical Space & Concessions plays a critical role in leading the delivery of the Tactical Space Programme, optimising our store estate through a strong data-led and customer-centric approach. You will be accountable for landing circa 10–15 stores per year, unlocking commercial value through fast, agile and cost-effective space decisions.
Working at the heart of the FH&B Space Planning agenda, the role partners closely with Property, Construction and Retail teams to deliver pragmatic, customer-focused solutions at pace—carefully balancing cost, operational complexity and speed, while driving clear commercial uplift. Alongside tactical space delivery, the role supports the implementation of concessions and space-impacting projects across the estate. Recent examples include M&P, TSE, third-party brands, new concession formats, Tilling, Hospitality and Travel Money. You will ensure space changes are executed consistently, commercially and to a high standard, protecting both customer experience and brand integrity.
Strong stakeholder engagement is fundamental to success in this role. You will bring teams together around a shared vision, aligning priorities and ensuring all parties are clear, connected and committed to delivering the right outcomes for customers and the business. 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. Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
Own the end-to-end delivery of the Tactical Space Programme (c.10–15 stores annually), translating commercial priorities into clear, phased plans that maximise value and minimise disruption. Drive pace, cost control and delivery discipline across multiple projects, ensuring outputs meet M&S standards and identifying efficiencies where possible. Support the delivery of concessions (M&P, TSE, existing and new brands) within the FH&B store estate. Lead store engagement and site visits, securing buy-in, validating scope, and ensuring strong execution across all locations. Use data, insight and post-implementation reviews to track performance, challenge outcomes and continuously improve future decisions. Provide strong governance and stakeholder management, proactively managing risks, influencing cross-functional teams, and fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
Who you are: Strong ability to initiate, build, and sustain relationships, influencing effectively at all levels across the Support Centre and Stores. Proven experience delivering store-based, property-led or tactical change programmes, ideally in retail. Highly numerate and analytically strong, with the ability to interpret complex data to inform sound commercial decisions. Demonstrates drive, ownership, resilience, and determination, with the ability to navigate complexity and cut through barriers. Effective leadership, with the ability to inspire, guide, and motivate teams to deliver high-quality outcomes. Exposure to concessions, brands or space planning is desirable. Organised, resilient and comfortable operating in ambiguity. Previous examples of programme management and cost management. Experience writing Business cases. Strong programme and financial management skills, with a disciplined approach to cost control. Strong understanding of the Fashion, Home & Beauty business model and operations. Knowledge of property processes and timescales relevant to FH&B. Understanding of the entire store retailing environment, particularly in relation to product delivery, space execution, and operational processes.
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.
Space Planning Programme Manager (Fashion, Home & Beauty) employer: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and development. With competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, flexible holiday options, and comprehensive family policies, employees are supported both personally and professionally. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and creativity, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the Fashion, Home & Beauty sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Space Planning Programme Manager (Fashion, Home & Beauty)
✨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 on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research M&S’s recent projects in Fashion, Home & Beauty, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your achievements and how they relate to the role of Programme Manager. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Space Planning Programme Manager (Fashion, Home & Beauty)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Space Planning Programme Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in retail and project management, and show how your skills align with M&S's values and goals.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role is all about data-led decision-making, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with data analysis or using insights to drive commercial decisions. We want to see how you can turn numbers into actionable strategies!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Know Your Space
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in space planning, especially within the Fashion, Home & Beauty sectors. Understand how M&S approaches tactical space decisions and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to optimising their store estate.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since this role heavily relies on data-led decision-making, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to share examples of how you've used data to drive commercial decisions in previous roles, and think about how you can apply that to M&S's objectives.
✨Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This position requires strong stakeholder management. Prepare to discuss your experience in building relationships and influencing cross-functional teams. Think of specific instances where you successfully aligned diverse groups towards a common goal.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
As a Programme Manager, you'll need to inspire and motivate teams. Reflect on your leadership experiences and be ready to share how you've guided teams through complex projects. Highlight your ability to navigate challenges and maintain high-quality outcomes.