Head of Tech Innovation

Summary

Summary

This role will lead the D&T Innovation Team to fuel innovation within the organisation to help power the magic of M&S – so that our colleagues can deliver our transformation faster, better and more efficiently.

You will lead innovation strategy and execution for the M&S D&T team and responsible for identifying new technologies, encouraging a culture of innovation, and driving the development of pioneering solutions that improve the experience for our customers and colleagues.

All the details

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 outstanding quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.

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

• 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.

• Lead a high performing team to meet objectives and key results agreed with Chief Tech Operations Officer
• Develop and implement a technology innovation strategy that is aligned M&S’ strategic goals
• Foster a culture of innovation in D&T, promoting creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Collaborate with c-suite level partners to seek opportunities for innovation and drive strategic partnerships
• Work with some of the world’s most innovative technology companies, such as Google and Microsoft, to find opportunities for innovation and drive strategic partnerships
• Be responsible for the development and execution of pilot projects and proof-of-concepts to validate new ideas and technologies
• Report on the progress of innovation initiatives at board level, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives
• Provide thought leadership and stay abreast of industry trends and guidelines in technology and innovation

Who you are

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a technology or innovation-focused environment
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and their potential impact on the retail industry
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships with partners at all levels
• Experience in managing innovation projects from conceptualisation to implementation
• Passion for problem solving, technology, future business landscape and a deep understanding of the retail industry

Everyone's welcome

We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re redefining, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re redefining 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.

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