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- Tasks: Shape and execute the long-term strategy for our Fashion business.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a dynamic leader in the retail industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, and generous pension schemes.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-evolving Fashion business.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy or business development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Business Development Manager to help shape the next phase of growth within our Fashion business. Following significant progress over the past two years, across market share, dotcom penetration, and the development of internal talent, we've built strong foundations rooted in style, quality, value and innovation. With clear direction on our "why," "what" and "how," the opportunity now is to accelerate forward by sharpening our focus on customer, channel and product strategy, unlocking new areas of growth across markets and platforms.
This is a high-impact, strategically critical role, working closely with the Business Unit Director and Fashion Leadership Team to shift the business from short-term execution to future-focused planning and growth mobilisation. Acting as the connective thread between vision and delivery, you'll shape the overarching strategic narrative, align stakeholders, and translate ambition into actionable plans. From landing new categories and experiences to driving strategic initiatives and long-term planning, you'll operate at Director-level impact, bringing clarity, focus and momentum to a fast-evolving and ambitious Fashion 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.
Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special:
- After completing your probationary period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry-leading parental, adoption, and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family.
- A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Shape and execute the long-term Fashion business strategy in partnership with the Fashion Leadership Team and Business Unit Director.
- Own the super season and strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment from long term strategy through to annual budgets and priorities.
- Provide strategic leadership through KPIs, scorecards, 3-5 year plans, board papers and business cases, with a strong focus on ROI and delivery.
- Act as the central strategic integrator for the Fashion BU, filtering priorities and aligning stakeholders across Retail, Dotcom, Brand, Marketing, CIU, Sourcing and external partners.
- Embed transformation, culture and ways of working across Fashion, providing regular performance updates and ensuring delivery against strategic milestones.
Your skills and experience will include:
- Previous experience in strategy, strategy consulting or business development is essential.
- Strong understanding of Fashion and / or Clothing & Home retail and the wider market landscape.
- Proven experience leading complex strategic projects: diagnosing problems, synthesising insight, generating options and driving execution.
- Highly organised, with experience managing multiple priorities, initiatives and deadlines while maintaining attention.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation and presentation of Board level materials and business cases.
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.
Business Development Manager employer: MARKS&SPENCER
Contact Detail:
MARKS&SPENCER Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at M&S. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research M&S's recent initiatives in the fashion sector and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can contribute to M&S’s growth strategy. Highlight your past successes in business development and how they relate to the role of Business Development Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S team and being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategy and business development, especially within the Fashion sector. We want to see how your skills align with our goals and values!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven growth or led strategic initiatives in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas, as we appreciate strong communication skills, especially at a Director level.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Fashion business!
How to prepare for a job interview at MARKS&SPENCER
✨Know Your Fashion Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends and challenges in the fashion industry. Understand how the company positions itself within the market and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully led complex strategic projects. Be ready to explain your thought process, how you diagnosed problems, and the impact of your decisions on business outcomes.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's 'why', 'what', and 'how'. During the interview, articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can help shape their long-term strategy in the fashion sector.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice presenting your ideas clearly, especially if you're discussing board-level materials or business cases. Use concise language and be prepared to answer questions that demonstrate your understanding of KPIs and ROI.