Retail Leaders Programme

Our stores are where our customers experience the M&S magic. This programme gives you the skills to be a Store Manager and bring that magic to life. Get close to customers with hands-on experiences to accelerate your career, you'll learn how our multi-million-pound stores run.

About the role

Great stores need great leaders, and this programme teaches you how to become one. You’ll immerse yourself in the day-to-day operations of our stores, mastering the art of management and getting stuck in from day one.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll dive straight into the heart of our stores, getting close to customers and colleagues to understand our routines and processes that make sure our stores run efficiently. With your sleeves rolled up, you’ll work across every department, gaining hands-on experience in how each role contributes to the seamless running of our stores. By then, you’ll be full prepared to take on your first Team Manager appointment.

Beyond the shop floor, you’ll gain insight into the other vital parts of the business that play a critical role in helping our stores to run smoothly, such as Supply Chain and the Store Support Centre. These experiences will give you the best possible grounding to become a Deputy or Store Manager within 12 months.

Once you’ve become a Store Manager, the sky’s the limit. This programme opens doors to bigger challenges, whether that’s managing larger stores, exploring roles in different parts of the business, or even taking your career international.

What you’ll need

You don’t need a specific degree to apply, but we are looking for a specific mindset. Curiosity, a passion for learning, and the drive to dive into challenges headfirst are key. You’ll need to be hands-on, ready to work at pace, and quick to adapt in our fast-moving industry.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of their preferred programme.

What we look for

We’re after bold, ambitious leaders who aren’t afraid to take the initiative and make things happen. You’ll thrive here if you’re a team player who’s honest, straightforward, and able to build strong relationships with both customers and colleagues. We’re looking for people who embrace responsibility, keep calm under pressure, and always aim higher to drive success. If you’re ready to lead from the front and shape the future of retail, this programme is your perfect fit.

Example career path

You’ll build a career as unique as you based on your skills and interests, but here is a common path that many colleagues in Retail make their own.

Team Manager

Deputy/ Store Manager

Assistant International Franchise Partner Manager

Trading Operations Manager

Regional Manager

Learning and support

Your development is our priority. We’ll give you a structured programme including mentoring, on-the-job training, and opportunities to solve real challenges that will help you build a long-term career at M&S. And, if we believe you can reach your potential faster, we will give you the tools and opportunities to do it. But the person who is going to make this happen is you. With our support, we want you to own and drive your development.