At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex Data and AI programmes, ensuring smooth delivery and strategic outcomes.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic and inclusive retail leader transforming the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to redefining retail for the future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a cutting-edge environment while driving innovation in data solutions.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in product and programme delivery with strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
This section tells you all you need to know about the position and its responsibilities, outlining everything we hope to see in a successful candidate.
As a Head of Data and AI Delivery you have overall accountability for the technical delivery and execution of product and programme solutions within the Data and AI team at M&S. You will lead highly visible and complex programmes of work and will act as an equal partner with our Data Technology, Data Product and senior business leaders to deliver value and help define, execute and land strategic outcomes while ensuring the overall delivery remains smooth and efficient. This role is working in the team which delivers data and AI solutions to the business, aligned to strategic objectives, through our core data platform, BEAM.
Who you are
As a Head of Data and AI Delivery, you will have extensive experience and responsibility of Product and Programme delivery, combining your business knowledge with technical expertise to drive innovation, foster relationships and promote an ‘own it and get it done’ attitude. Excellent financial and commercial acumen including experience managing large budgets. You will be aware of emerging Data and AI industry trends and interface with senior stakeholders / peer groups to understand their applicability to M&S. Excellent interpersonal skills, proactive can do attitude and ability to set the standards for communicating effectively with both technical and non‑technical individuals including director level. Experience working in retail - ideal, not mandatory.
What you will do
- Drive, own and deliver highly complex and multi-disciplinary Data and AI initiatives, collaborating with business stakeholders and D&T peers.
- End‑to‑End Program Delivery: Ensure the successful delivery of all technical data programs, from initiation through to completion. This includes managing timelines, budgets, resources, and quality to meet or exceed expectations.
- Develop and foster trusted relationships with stakeholders across business areas using deep and relevant technology and data and AI experience to simplify complex technology issues to ensure successful delivery of outcomes through innovation and thought leadership in line with SLAs.
- Accountable for the data and AI budget and driving value for money in the smartest, most efficient way.
- Anticipate problems using specialist knowledge and put processes in place to improve capability and effectiveness.
What’s in it for you
Being a part of M&S is exactly that – playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.
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.
Everyone's welcome
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re redefining, innovating and leading the industry into a more diligent, inspiring digital era. We’re reconsidering 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.
Head of Technical Program Management in London employer: Women in Data®
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Technical Program Management, you will have access to extensive training programmes, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and a supportive environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With a commitment to redefining retail and a focus on delivering exceptional value to customers, M&S provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical Program Management in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already at M&S. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into M&S's recent projects in Data and AI. Show us you know what’s happening and how you can contribute to their success!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Head of Data and AI Delivery role. We want to hear how you can drive innovation and deliver results.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical Program Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in technical program management, especially in data and AI. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your past roles; share specific examples of successful projects you've led. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, as this will resonate well with us at M&S.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it reaches the right team directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Data®
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific programmes and projects that M&S is currently working on in the Data and AI space. Familiarise yourself with their core data platform, BEAM, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic objectives.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Highlight instances where your interpersonal skills helped bridge gaps and drive project success, as this role requires collaboration across various business areas.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing large budgets is a key responsibility, come prepared to discuss your experience with financial management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve driven value for money in previous roles, ensuring that you can articulate your commercial understanding clearly.
✨Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Research the latest trends in Data and AI, especially those relevant to retail. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact M&S and how you can leverage them to drive innovation within the team. This shows your proactive attitude and commitment to staying informed.
