Driving Sustainable Growth in International at M&S

Career Journey

I joined M&S in 2013, starting out in Foods retail before moving into the Support Centre a few years later as a Floor Planner. That role gave me the chance to use my store experience in a different way, helping shape space and range decisions that supported customers across the South West and Wales.

In 2017, I made the move into International as a Trading Planner, and that’s where my career really started to broaden. Since then, I’ve worked across trade planning, buying and commercial management, building a much deeper understanding of how our International business operates across different markets and partner models.

Today, I’m the Lead Sustainability Manager for International, leading the development of our ESG strategy. It’s a role that brings together everything I’ve learned commercially with something I’m genuinely passionate about. Being able to help deliver Plan A on a global scale, supporting partners to reduce environmental impact while growing the business responsibly, is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

What Makes International Different

What I love about International is the variety. Every market is different, so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. You’re constantly balancing what makes M&S unique with what works best locally, and that makes every challenge different.

It’s also much broader than many people realise. I work across multiple regions, partner models and functions, from sustainability strategy and governance through to supporting partners day to day. That breadth means no two days are ever the same.

Working across different cultures and commercial models has also changed the way I think. It’s taught me to stay curious, listen first and adapt solutions so they work in the context of each individual market.

Skills & Growth

Working in International has given me a much broader understanding of the business from end to end. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside experts from across M&S, taking proven approaches and adapting them for very different international markets.

That experience has strengthened my stakeholder management and communication skills. A big part of my role is taking complex topics and making them meaningful for different audiences, whether that’s colleagues, partners or subject matter experts.

It’s also taught me how to prioritise in a fast-moving environment. There are always multiple priorities competing for attention, but International has helped me become more strategic about where I can make the biggest difference.

A Defining Moment

One project I’m particularly proud of is leading the freeze defrost acceleration programme. It strengthened the resilience of our long-haul Foods business by bringing together colleagues and suppliers across multiple functions while balancing commercial, operational and sustainability priorities.

The project supported a more sustainable supply chain across more than 700 products, reducing waste while making our international operations more resilient. Seeing it develop from an initial idea through to becoming part of how we operate was incredibly rewarding.

For me, it reinforced something I’ve always believed. Sustainability and commercial success don’t have to compete with each other. When you approach them in the right way, they can strengthen one another.

Impact

My role is about helping embed Plan A across our International business. That means supporting partners with clear standards and guidance, helping colleagues understand the role they play, and making sure sustainability becomes part of everyday decision making rather than a separate initiative.

We’re already seeing that happen through our refreshed International Plan A strategy. Teams and partners are beginning to take real ownership, and it’s exciting to see sustainability becoming more deeply embedded in how we operate and grow around the world.

Culture

The culture in International is collaborative, supportive and incredibly ambitious. Everyone is working towards the same goal of growing M&S as a truly global brand, and there’s a real willingness to help each other succeed.

Our partners are hugely passionate about M&S, while the UK team is close-knit and works brilliantly across functions. That combination creates an environment where people are trusted to take ownership, move at pace and keep looking for better ways of doing things.

To thrive here, you need to be open-minded, adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity. What works in the UK won’t always work elsewhere, but that’s exactly what makes International such an interesting place to build a career.

Why International?

What keeps me here is the opportunity to make a genuine difference. International is constantly evolving, so I’m still learning every day, and there’s always another challenge to get stuck into.

What excites me most is the opportunity ahead. We have a clear strategy, ambitious growth plans and the chance to build a truly global M&S brand while embedding Plan A every step of the way. Being part of that journey is a real privilege.

Advice for Others

If you’re considering a move into International, I’d absolutely encourage you to go for it. Looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made because it’s broadened both my understanding of the business and the skills I’ve developed along the way.

If you’re open-minded, adaptable and willing to step outside your comfort zone, International gives you experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else in the business. It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

_

Looking for a move into International? Get in touch to find out more.