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Head of Technical Program Management

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Marks and Spencer

12d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Business, Operations & Strategy
    Product
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You must have extensive experience in large-scale initiatives, strong Agile knowledge, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.
  • You will plan and deliver complex initiatives, align strategies with leaders, prioritize initiatives, drive data-driven decisions, and build trusted relationships to simplify technology issues.

Requirements

  • Key Experience - the ideal candidate will have
  • Job knowledge – specialist skills, experiences, qualifications, specific systems or practices relevant to the role, latest function specific knowledge
  • Business knowledge – level of commercial awareness, economic, commercial, political experience, industry specific knowledge to differentiate M&S from competitors
  • Problem solving – analytical skills, ability to direct, lead and deliver solutions that go beyond existing ways of doing things
  • People & Leadership skills – communications, leadership and talent development skills
  • Who you are
  • Extensive experience delivering large-scale initiatives across multiple product functions and domains
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, proactive can do demeanour and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non‐technical individuals including director level
  • Track record of providing Technical leadership across domains, product groups and Program management during all phases of software development from ideation to realising value, demonstrating critical thinking and thought leadership
  • Strong working knowledge/experience of Agile/Scaled Agile practices including Scrum, Kanban and DevOps
  • Highly diligent professional with excellent leadership and coaching skills in lean agile practices
  • Desirable
  • Experience in multiple Agile Project/Portfolio Management tools e.g. Jira/JiraAlign/Rally
  • Experience using facilitation techniques, Design Thinking techniques, coaching and learning frameworks
  • Experience of engineering practices like BDD, XP and Agile Testing, Continuous Integration and Continuous delivery
  • Prior experience working in the Retail Industry

Responsibilities

  • Plan, own and deliver highly complex and multi-disciplinary initiatives, collaborating with senior leaders to align strategic goals and drive a customer first mind-set in Technology
  • Creates roadmaps and objectives and key results alongside the Head of Product & Head of Engineering to ensure alignment to strategic ambitions for M&S including the Technology Strategy
  • Facilitate continuous refinement and prioritisation of initiatives working alongside Product, Engineering and Business leaders
  • Drive data driven decisions through metrics and regular reporting to provide visibility creating a culture of transparency
  • Develop trusted relationships with partners across business areas using deep and relevant technology experience to simplify complex technology issues

FAQs

What is the primary role of the Head of Technical Program Management at M&S?

The primary role is to drive the execution of product solutions within M&S, focusing on the delivery of innovative technology solutions that enhance customer loyalty initiatives and align with broader business objectives.

What benefits are offered to employees in this position?

Employees receive a 20% colleague discount, competitive holiday entitlement, discretionary bonuses, a defined contribution pension scheme, training programs, wellbeing support, and more.

What kind of leadership is expected from the Head of Technical Program Management?

The role requires a transformational leader who can bridge the gap between technology and business, simplifying complex processes and delivering impactful results.

What kind of experience is required for candidates applying for this position?

Candidates should have extensive experience in delivering large-scale initiatives across multiple product functions, excellent interpersonal skills, and a track record of providing technical leadership.

Is experience in the retail industry preferred for this role?

Yes, prior experience working in the retail industry is considered desirable for candidates applying for this role.

What project management methodologies should candidates be familiar with?

Candidates should have strong working knowledge of Agile/Scaled Agile practices, including Scrum, Kanban, and DevOps.

How does M&S prioritize diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

M&S is committed to building diverse and representative teams, ensuring that everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best.

What is expected regarding the development of relationships with partners across businesses?

The Head of Technical Program Management is expected to develop trusted relationships with partners using deep technology experience to simplify complex issues.

What tools and techniques should candidates be experienced with?

Experience with Agile Project/Portfolio Management tools like Jira/JiraAlign/Rally, as well as facilitation techniques and engineering practices like BDD, XP, and CI/CD, are desirable.

Will there be support for candidates needing adjustments during the recruitment process?

Yes, M&S encourages candidates to inform the team about any support or reasonable adjustments needed to facilitate their best performance during the recruitment process.

Marks and Spencer

Forward thinking, future-focused and digital-first retail

Retail & Consumer Goods
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1884
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

We hold ourselves to a very high standard here at M&S. That much has never changed. Our attention to detail, forward thinking and passion for improvement has led to the creation of some of the nation’s most loved products. But a rapidly changing world demands that we change along with it. M&S has been at the forefront of social change for the past 134 years, and we’re determined to keep it that way. Setting bolder goals and giving our people the space and resources to achieve them. Today, we are a unique retailer delivering top quality food, clothing, home products and financial services. We employ over 80,000 colleagues who serve over 32 million customers. But what about tomorrow? We’ve put customer-focused digital innovation at the heart of our business, partnering with world-class technology firms to help shape the retail experience of the future. From digital transformation to empowering people to make a positive impact on wellbeing, communities and the planet, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. Because if you become part of our journey today, you’ll be shaping the very future of our business.

Benefits

  • Colleague Discount

    Receive 20% discounts in-store for you and members of your household

  • Bonus

    We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance

  • Pay

    Our salaries are competitive and reviewed every year

  • Life Assurance

    Life cover of twice your salary up to age 70 which is double when you join your M&S pension savings plan