Store Space Performance Planner

We are looking for a commercially focused, analytically and visually strong individual who can turn insight into action and deliver space optimisation in stores. As a Store Space Performance Planner, you play a central part in shaping how our stores bring the Fashion, Home and Beauty space and transformation strategy to life. Operating across multiple regions within a division, you will lead the application, allocation and optimisation of space through regular store visits, robust grading decisions and macro space changes.

As a key partner to Store, Regional and Divisional leadership teams, you will influence and support the delivery of macro space optimisation. Using analytical tools, performance insight and close collaboration with Regional Managers, Store teams and BU space teams, you will identify opportunities to drive sales, meet customer needs and drive space productivity.

This is a varied role working across multiple stakeholder teams, requiring strong commercial acumen, influential partnership skills and the ability to translate data‑led insight into practical, strategic outcomes across a complex estate. This role is central to bringing the Fashion, Home and Beauty transformation strategy to life in store.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Whatyou’lldo

Yourkeyaccountabilitieswillinclude

• Drive FHB Space & Grading Across the Division. Oversee all aspects of Fashion, Home and Beauty space and grading within your division, ensuring space is used efficiently, aligns with business strategy and meets customer needs to maximise sales, productivity and ROI.

• Drive commercial Space Optimisation across the Estate. Lead reviews of every store throughout the year using Red/Amber/Green methodology to assess complexity, identify opportunities, and drive BU space optimisation. Analyse store space performance to identify opportunities for macro-BU change, using data to build clear, commercially grounded recommendations for senior stakeholders. Produce PIRs to ensure learnings and insights are embedded into future store proposals.

• Develop & Present Store Block Plans. Create proposed macro space block plans to illustrate space changes, model the commercial benefits, and compile compelling summaries. Chairing divisional store space surgeries involving regional managers, Field VM and Space management. Ensure commercial, operational and Space priorities are aligned, and that Space macro decision making remains strategic and future focused, presenting your store space proposals in these sessions.

• Translate Strategy into Practical Application. With the Store Performance Manager and BU Space Planning teams translate strategy, grading frameworks and space planning principles into actionable plans for each store. Use space performance data, modelling tools, and productivity leavers to support decision making and presenting commercially grounded recommendations for senior stakeholders.

• Act as Regional Space Partner and voice of stores. Serve as the primary point of contact for Regional Managers on all FHB space related topics. Build trusted relationships with Regional Managers and Store Directors, securing alignment and buy in to deliver space optimisation with momentum. Lead regular visit to stores with senior stakeholders to understand and provide expert guidance on operational realities, customer behaviour and the practicalities of delivering macro moves at scale. Support stores in adopting the M&S Way for Space and upskill new Store Managers and Regional Managers in the FHB Space and Transformation strategies

Whoyouare

Yourskillsandexperiencewillinclude

• Strong ability to initiate, build, and sustain relationships, influencing effectively at all levels across the Support Centre and Stores.

• Expert understanding of the Space Planning and Merchandising critical path, process flows, competencies, and related activities. Including relevant and essential systems.

• Understanding of the entire store retailing environment, particularly in relation to product delivery, space execution, and operational processes.

• Knowledge of business IT systems and the space planning interdependencies

• All relevant FH&B, Space & Retail reporting, and merch systems, specifically: Blue Yonder floor planning, RP, MP, GMOR, PowerBI

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 are disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We are 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.

Tostayclosetocustomers,oursupport teamsareintheofficethreedaysaweek aswebelievethat skillsaredevelopedthrough collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.

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