We are currently undergoing a significant transformation process, which requires the recruitment of adept leaders who can bring innovation and resilience to the organization. We are seeking individuals who possess the capability to lead programmes, projects, and costs associated with new store locations, extensions, and relocations. The position will require you to develop sites that are commercially viable and strategically relevant, from the initial stage of site identification to the Agreement for Lease. As an integral part of the role, you will report directly to the Head of Programme, Cost, Procurement, and Pre-Construction, and be responsible for leading various Pre-Construction duties, including Project Management, Cost Management, and Pre-Construction of individual store projects. Your expertise and proficiency will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth and successful implementation of these projects. We require individuals who can demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and possess the vital skills to encourage and influence change across the organization. If you possess these attributes and are keen to join us on this transformative journey, we welcome your application

What’s in it for you.

Being a part of M&S is exactly that – becoming a part and playing your part. We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and always evolving business built on core values.

Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special…

• 20% Colleague discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food.
• A first-class welcome to M&S with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development. Having options to progress is something we’re proud of at M&S.
• Attractive annual bonus, based on company performance and personal objectives.
• 29 days holiday including bank holidays!
• Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices website. Including GymSave – that offers up to 25% off Gym Memberships and the option to become an M&S Shareholder using our ShareSave & ShareBuy Schemes
• Charity Volunteer Day – A paid day away from work to support your chosen charity.
• A very generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance

Every colleague at M&S has access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support – this includes access to our 24/7 Virtual GP, PAM Assist to support you & your family as well as many other schemes

• Responsibility for the management of pre-construction activity and overall Project Management of New Store and extensions at Feasibility stage
• Provide Project information to Acquisitions team to facilitate the Store Design Gateway presentation, Cost estimate, Programme forecast and shell specification.
• Lead on activity to achieve SDG approval. Collation of cost estimate – Programme Forecast – Design information and shell spec adherence.
• Agree Project specific scope of services for external consultants, (PM / QS / Mechanical / Electrical / Refrigeration / Planning) lead performance, call out where performance is not of sufficient standard.
• Co-ordinate a package of plans, scope, and specification to form the construction documentations ready for tender and delivery. Challenge inputs and find the best solutions to issues in order to achieve the best outcomes for the defined scope.
• Work with the all teams to ensure feasibility surveys, scoping visits, project information, equipment demand and cost information is generated within specific timelines.
• Collate project specific cost plan and cash flow, review opportunities to reduce cost. Highlight anomalies to model cost plan.
• Negotiate directly with Landlords on M&S shell specification, ensuring compliance with latest specification.
• Review and critique Developer Programme of works to ensure as efficient as possible, Monitor Developer shell progress, calling out this is not inline with Programme
• Create and maintain the Programme plans, defining the Programme’s critical path. Track and report slippage from a baseline position. Working with internal and external partners to mitigate slippage risk and call out when vital.
• Supervise progress across all allocated Projects, ensuring key Project landmarks are delivered and calling out and mitigating delays.
• Identify, review, and lead key programme and project risk and issues with appropriate actions, ensuring others are accountable for their contribution and call out on a weekly basis, where appropriate.
• Discharge Client H&S Duties and responsibilities
• Identify, understand, engage, and support cross-functional teams ensuring their tasks are accurately represented within the Programme plan. Working through clashes, risks, and opportunities to optimise.
• Feed into the organisational change process. Understand and report the impact of change on the overall Programme against time, cost, and quality measures.
• Management of glide path activity to ensure benefits are gathered.
• Routinely review and update shell specification to ensure is relevant to current design standards and industry guidance
• Chair project meetings and own key meeting documentation
• Liaise with and manage relationships with external partners, consultants and contractors
• Challenge ways of working to drive continuous improvement both internally and externally.
• Support the development and implementation of new construction techniques ensuring projects are delivered in the most appropriate manner.

• Construction Project Management experience and relevant qualification
• Experience of managing multiple projects or programmes, ideally within the retail environment.
• Cost management experience
• Proven partner management skills, in the Built environment / Property and Construction sector - Ability to build and maintain relationships with multiple cross-functional teams and encourage a collaborative approach.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and facilitate informed decision making.
• Experience in organisational change.
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Experience in the construction environment.
• Proficient skills using the following Microsoft applications Excel, Teams, Project, PowerPoint
• Essential - MRICS / MCIOB accreditation
• Desirable - Property related degree.
• Desirable – Cost Management / QS experience

M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. That’s why we’re revolutionising how we work and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. There’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Marks & Spencer aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make an immediate impact.

We are committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process, and we are happy to talk flexible working.

If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment.