28th April 2021
Meet the Commercial Manager spurring on our future from Ireland's largest store
Like a lot of people, Ciara started at M&S as a Christmas temp. However, 18 years and three stores later, she’s a mother of four and a qualified Commercial Manager within our Liffey Valley Academy store in Dublin. It’s by far our largest location in Ireland at over 60,000 square-foot – and with this great space comes great responsibility.
“I lead a team of managers within Clothing. And I’m also accountable for the sales, costs and operational metrics of the Womenswear, Lingerie and Beauty departments. I make decisions daily on how we can generate more sales, how we can visually enhance the environment for our customers and how we can improve our service proposition.”
There’s plenty to sink your teeth into in this area alone, but there’s more to Ciara’s job than chasing sales.
Developing the future stars of M&S
In an Academy store which develops so much of our talent in Ireland, Ciara says the most important part of her job is ‘people’. Supporting managers and coaching them in ways to lead and inspire their teams. This is so every colleague wants to champion the winning mentality, unique customer experiences and business practices that make us true industry innovators.
“Retail as we know it has changed. Our digital competency and readiness have been challenged, and we’re building a team that’s creating the M&S of the future. As a retailer, M&S is unique in its high standards – and in its responsibilities towards local communities and even the planet. We only use responsibly sourced materials and work hard to support the lives of the people who produce our clothes across the world.”
Can you live and breathe our bolder vision as a Commercial Manager?
If you’re looking for a business-oriented role combined with the variety of challenges that come with working in store, Ciara can tell you no two days are the same as a Commercial Manager. But, you have to be properly passionate about working closely with people, figuring out what makes them tick and uncovering the best ways to motivate them.
“My job is a hands-on role, especially at peak times. It requires agility, pace and an interest in customer service and sales. If you’re unafraid of change, and like the hustle and bustle of a store environment, then this is the role for you.”
Explore current opportunities today.
