At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Store Technology Blueprint, ensuring alignment and effective execution across teams.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retail brand with a commitment to innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Access to wellbeing support and a charity volunteer day to give back.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in retail tech while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in program leadership and a solid understanding of retail technology.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
What's in it for you? 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.
What you'll do:
- Own and govern the Store Technology Blueprint as the single source of truth, defining hardware standards, target end states, and what 'good' looks like - ensuring it remains stable, with intent, and aligned to roadmaps, supportability, and returns value.
- Lead rolling blueprint planning, maintaining a forward‑looking refresh horizon for all stores, translating Digital & Tech roadmaps into clear, time phased technology intent.
- Orchestrate cross Digital & Tech demand, aligning multiple domains to surface initiatives early, resolve conflict, and ensure coherent sequencing before reaching delivery teams.
- Partner with Retail Implementation and Property, aligning blueprint intent to delivery realities, providing technical expertise, and ensuring clear handoffs for effective in store execution.
- Drive obsolescence planning, governance, and blueprint integrity, ensuring proactive risk management, structured decision‑making, consistent asset alignment, and a trusted, joined up view of store technology plans.
Who you are:
- Validated program and portfolio leadership experience, with a consistent track record operating in sophisticated, scalable organisations.
- Deep understanding of retail / technology environments, particularly hardware deployment, lifecycle, and in‑store considerations.
- Strong strategic capability, able to operate across multi‑year horizons while balancing long‑term intent with operational constraints.
- Experience working in matrixed environments, partnering efficiently with implementation teams without direct ownership of execution.
- Highly credible partner manager and communicator, with experience engaging senior technology, property, and operational leaders, and knowledge of obsolescence and lifecycle planning.
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best.
Technology Blueprint Lead employer: MARKS&SPENCER
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and personal growth. As a Technology Blueprint Lead, you'll benefit from competitive perks including a generous pension scheme, extensive training programmes, and industry-leading family policies, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Blueprint Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their technology landscape and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are talking about your skills and experiences, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Blueprint Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technology Blueprint Lead role. Highlight your experience in retail and technology environments, and show us how your skills align with our needs. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role requires validated program and portfolio leadership experience, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've led projects or teams in the past. We love to see how you’ve navigated complex environments and achieved results.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MARKS&SPENCER
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the technology landscape, especially in retail. Brush up on hardware standards and lifecycle management, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss specific technologies and their applications will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your program and portfolio leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully led cross-functional teams or managed complex projects. This will demonstrate your ability to operate in sophisticated environments.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company's goals and how the Store Technology Blueprint aligns with them. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to achieving these objectives and improving operational efficiency through technology.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a partner manager, your communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical concepts with non-technical stakeholders. This will help you build credibility during the interview.
