GM Commercial Programme Manager

We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. Here, everything in our stores starts in Sainsbury’s Commercial. From product, proposition, packaging and price, to whether it meets our sustainability commitments or simply tastes great, our team is responsible for, all food, non- food and Clothing items available in Sainsbury’s stores, online and on demand.

It’s an incredibly fast-paced environment. People here are in it together and aren’t afraid to take risks. The knowledge and experience you gain here could set you up for career moves anywhere else in the business. So, if you’re passionate about your products and just as hungry to learn, you’ll fit in perfectly.

The GM Commercial Programme Manager supports the delivery of General Merchandise priorities and business change activity. Working across Commercial, Category Planning, Retail Operations, Property, Store Planning and wider business functions, the role helps coordinate programmes and initiatives, ensuring plans are organised, communicated and delivered effectively.

Following the successful implementation of the GM Reset programme, the role will support the ongoing development of the GM proposition through space planning, category transformation, blueprint evolution and future investment activity. This includes maintaining programme plans, tracking progress, coordinating stakeholders and problem solving to ensure successful delivery.

The role works closely with the Director of GM, Heads of Buying, Category Planning teams and key business partners to support business priorities and enable effective execution across stores.

• Support the planning and delivery of GM projects and transformation initiatives, helping to ensure objectives, timelines and dependencies remain on track.
• Maintain programme plans, actions, risks and key milestones to provide visibility and accountability across business teams.
• Coordinate cross-functional meetings and working groups, tracking actions and supporting progress against agreed plans.
• Support the continued development and implementation of the GM Space Strategy and GM Blueprint across store formats.
• Track programme progress and identify risks, issues and dependencies, escalating where appropriate.
• Prepare programme updates, presentations, business cases and supporting materials for stakeholders and governance forums.
• Support post-implementation reviews and benefit tracking to assess programme outcomes and identify learning opportunities.
• Work closely with the Director of GM, Heads of Buying and Category Planning teams to support the delivery of key business priorities.
• Provide analysis, insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making across GM priorities and programmes.
• Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the business to support programme delivery and effective collaboration.
• Develop briefing materials, presentations, implementation guidance and communications to support colleagues through change.
• Own and maintain team systems, documentation and SharePoint resources.

• Experience in programme coordination, project management or business change within a commercial, retail or operational environment.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and supporting the delivery of cross-functional projects.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence working across a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to organise information, analyse issues and translate business requirements into clear delivery plans.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how business decisions impact customers, colleagues and financial performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication, presentation and storytelling skills.
• Experience using Microsoft 365 applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint.
• Knowledge of Sainsbury's Commercial, Retail or Category Planning processes would be advantageous.

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