At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting programmes from concept to delivery, collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Access to wellbeing support and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail property strategy and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strategic thinker with experience in consulting or retail, strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
What You’ll Do
- Lead cross‑functional programmes from concept through to delivery, aligning Property, Finance, Retail Operations, and Commercial teams.
- Develop high quality, insight‑led business cases, including financial modelling, scenario analysis, and investment appraisals.
- Support the shaping of long‑term property strategy, including estate planning, format evolution, and capital prioritisation.
- Produce compelling executive–level materials, translating complex information into clear, persuasive narratives for senior stakeholders.
- Use data, market insight, and performance tracking to identify opportunities, monitor programme success, and inform strategic decision‑making.
Who You Will Be
- A strategic thinker with a background in consulting or strategy, ideally within retail, property, or capital‑intensive environments.
- Highly analytical, with strong experience in financial modelling, investment appraisal, and data‑led decision making.
- An exceptional communicator, skilled in creating senior‑level presentations and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven in leading complex, cross‑functional programmes and operating effectively in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments.
- Organised, resilient, and commercially astute, with a collaborative approach and a drive to challenge and improve.
What’s in it for you
- 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 personal objectives and business performance.
- 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.
- Ample 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 wellbeing support for all colleagues, including 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist.
- A charity volunteer day to support a cause you are passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mark & Spencer is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Strategic Programme Lead — Store Development & Property employer: MARKS&SPENCER
Mark & Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering extensive training programmes and career development opportunities for its employees. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, flexible parental policies, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, M&S ensures that its team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a dynamic retail environment, this role provides the chance to lead impactful projects while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Programme Lead — Store Development & Property
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at M&S or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to strategic thinking and programme management. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of your financial modelling and investment appraisal work to the table. We want to see how you’ve used data to drive decisions and create compelling narratives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles that match your skills and interests right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Programme Lead — Store Development & Property
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Programme Lead role. Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional programmes and your analytical skills, especially in financial modelling and investment appraisal. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves creating compelling executive-level materials, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use clear and persuasive language in your application to reflect how you can translate complex information into digestible narratives for senior stakeholders. Let us see your storytelling skills!
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking:We’re on the lookout for strategic thinkers! In your application, share examples of how you've shaped long-term strategies or tackled ambiguous challenges in previous roles. This will help us understand your approach to problem-solving and decision-making in fast-paced environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at MARKS&SPENCER
✨Know Your Programmes
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of cross-functional programmes you might lead. Familiarise yourself with how Property, Finance, Retail Operations, and Commercial teams interact. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Master Financial Modelling
Brush up on your financial modelling skills. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you've developed business cases or conducted investment appraisals. Bring examples that showcase your analytical prowess and ability to make data-driven decisions.
✨Craft Compelling Narratives
Practice translating complex information into clear, persuasive narratives. Think about how you can present your ideas to senior stakeholders effectively. Consider preparing a mini-presentation that demonstrates your communication skills and ability to influence.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to long-term property strategy and estate planning. Share specific examples of how you've shaped strategies in previous roles, especially in fast-moving environments. Highlight your resilience and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
