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- Tasks: Drive cost-saving initiatives and optimise value across the food supply chain.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while championing efficiency.
- Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills and experience in cross-functional teamwork.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team transforming retail for a better future.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Role overview
You will drive the end to end delivery of cost saving initiatives that help the Food Group meet its Lowering Costs Programme target. Working at the centre of our cost transformation agenda, you will bring together value optimisation, packaging sourcing and cost modelling to unlock efficiencies across the full value chain. You will build a strong pipeline of opportunities, shape ideas quickly and turn them into clear action plans, partnering closely with Trading, Product Development, Technical, Logistics and Supply Chain teams. You will keep delivery moving with pace, track progress, raise risks early and ensure every initiative lands on time with full benefit realisation. You will share insight, surface opportunities and champion continuous improvement to strengthen low cost, efficient ways of working across M&S Food.
What you’ll do
- Own the end to end delivery of cost saving initiatives, from shaping ideas and modelling options through to implementation and benefit tracking, to deliver the Lowering Costs Programme target.
- Build and maintain a dynamic pipeline of value optimisation opportunities across packaged goods, fresh and ambient portfolios, working closely with Trading, Product Development and Technical teams.
- Lead cross functional teams to turn opportunities into action, setting clear plans, agreeing timelines and driving pace so milestones are met.
- Facilitate focused workshops with internal and external partners to generate ideas, solve problems quickly and strengthen low cost ways of working across the value chain.
- Provide clear, consistent weekly reporting that gives senior leaders visibility of progress, risks and new opportunities across the Food Group cost agenda.
Who you are
- A commercially strong problem solver, confident using cost models and data to spot value opportunities and support robust decisions.
- Skilled at working with cross functional teams, you build trusted relationships with colleagues in Trading, Product Development, Technical, Supply Chain, Logistics and suppliers.
- Calm and organised under pressure, you juggle competing priorities, keep work moving and follow through to delivery.
- A clear, adaptable communicator who can bring people with you, influence outcomes and keep stakeholders aligned on plans and progress.
- Curious and improvement focused, you challenge the way things are done today and look for practical ways to embed low cost, efficient ways of working.
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’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.
Value Optimisation Manager employer: M&S
Contact Detail:
M&S Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Value Optimisation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at M&S. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cost optimisation and cross-functional teamwork. We all know how important it is to show you're not just a fit on paper but also in person!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you've successfully tackled challenges in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to drive initiatives and deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at M&S.
We think you need these skills to ace Value Optimisation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in cost optimisation and cross-functional collaboration. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Value Optimisation Manager!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Use specific examples from your past work where you've successfully identified value opportunities or implemented cost-saving initiatives. This will help us see your commercial acumen in action!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Early!: Due to high interest in this role, we recommend applying as soon as possible through our website. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team and make a real impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at M&S
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Value Optimisation Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with cost models and data. Brush up on relevant metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to identify value opportunities in past roles. This will show your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes, as this will be key to driving initiatives forward.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific challenges you've encountered and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your ability to think on your feet.
✨Show Your Continuous Improvement Mindset
The company values curiosity and improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you've challenged the status quo in previous roles. Share examples of practical ways you've implemented low-cost, efficient processes, and how these changes benefited the organisation.
