Owns the formal communications and events for our partners (both strategic and operational), creating excitement and engagement in the M&S brand, keeping them up to date on progress at M&S and enabling them to execute M&S across the world. Delivers internal communications, working closely with the Colleague Communications BP to deliver excellent and engaging communications to International colleagues and contributing to making M&S a great place to work. Manage the annual budget for International events (in-person partner facing and colleague facing), optimising to deliver the best value for the business, our partners and colleagues. Selecting and managing relationships with third party suppliers for venues / production.Work with the Director – International, Head of S&T to develop the strategic narrative for International (linked with group) and ensures it is cascaded and delivered via all messagingWorking with the Internal Comms Business Partner to provide content and input into:- The Internal comms plan for International- Investor relations and business updates- All company updates and notes- Video content and production as neededOverall connection point for delivery of International events (partner or colleague) – working with the relevant SMEs as needed – including setting objectives and measuring success.Continuously improving what and how we work in the communications space, driving innovation and new approaches, using a combination of digital and physical approaches

Led the International VM Communications and Instore Marketing team to develop digital, immersive, inspiring, and commercial tools to ensure right first time delivery. Thus ensuring a consistent brand presence across the owned and franchised markets.Developed a comprehensive VM Communication strategy, working cross functionally, to bring the entire product lifecycle to life, ensuring a clear understanding of how to plan, deliver, and trade seasons, campaigns, and events.Constantly worked to improve the tools created, exploring new technologies and delivery methods, to ensure cut through and knowledge retention throughout our International markets. Introducing the addition of virtual, AR, and CGI content to further enhance our proposition.Facilitated a complete overhaul of our In-Store Marketing proposition, tailoring the output to our localised markets, with a consistent brand tone of voice.Key support function for the roll out of our brand Store of the Future, connecting the instore and online journeys, to ensure a completely omni channel experience, with a constant digital first mindset.Working alongside a website development agency, built a new Communications website, specific to the International VM team.Use the data gathered from Google Analytics to guide decision making processes in how we communicate across all platforms with our International partners.In partnership with a digital design agency and Learning & Development, began the creation of the next chapter in VM Training. Peer leader on the International Inclusion & Diversity panel, working to help foster a process and cultural change within the business for a more inclusive working environment. Influencing the International Directors through suggested actions to current processes to drive meanignful and lasting change.

Led the Field Visual Merchandising operations across all Marks & Spencer International partners. Ensuring the consistent delivery of inspirational, commercial, and market relevant stores are showcased across all International MarketsFive direct reports with Regional accountabilities based in London and Hong Kong offices

Built and cultivated strong relationships between UK Head Office team and in country franchise partners. Grounded in supportive communication, a deep understanding of the culture of each market and how the business operates in each areaManaged 3 direct reports as well as VM accountability for 5 International Franchise partners across 18 countries and 145 store locationsRegular in country visits, to support local market trade and to ensure consistent UK Brand strategy implementationWork in partnership with Franchise team stakeholders to develop short, medium, and long term strategies to drive business throughout the Middle East & AsiaPartnered with International Buying teams to deliver Seasonal International Buying Fairs. Presented strategic initiatives in a creative way to inspire our partners to buy in depth and authority across a given seasonDeveloped comprehensive training program called Trading the M&S Way to support and upskill our International VM and commercial teams to deliver inspiring and commercial store environmentsWorked alongside Store Environment and Planning teams to deliver new store and modernisations across all real estate develops within region

Defined and developed an annual and seasonal visual and product presentation strategy fully aligned with the business priorities, brand, and marketing.Influenced design and buying teams during the entire product life cycle to ensure a clean and cohesive in store experience for the customers. Championed the store environment and presentation purpose and values. Created compelling and engaging store layouts to capture the seasonal trading opportunities and showcase the design and buying seasonal trends. Set up seasonal and campaign based layouts in the mockshop studio to ensure all brand priorities were captured. A team collaboration between marketing, brand, procurement, and the Kidswear business unit.Fully accountable for the development and delivery of all communication and engagement tools, seasonal layouts, product presentation, and visual guidelines to all stores. Developed a completely new communication strategy to ensure stores were receiving compelling, inspirational, and useful information. Streamlined previously bulky and outdated documents to clean, concise, and modern layouts – focusing on the digital future and a more Eco friendly approach. Kidswear super user for iShop computer software to create virtual, 3D store environments and documents.Collaborated with store design, space planning, and relevant external agencies to develop a new M&S Kids concept and environment for the Kidswear BU. Goal to create a modern, engaging, and adaptable environment for M&S Kids and the new M&S Baby. Supported a 7 store trial in Autumn 2014 and a 20+ store eventual roll out in Autumn 2015.Key product presentation contact to ensure the new scheme package was fit for purpose and enhanced the store environment. Covered all presentation and visual aspects of the new concept launch including fixture design, layout policies, store CADs, engagement, implementation, and maintenance of the project.

Created brand relevance for Gap’s 1969 line by managing and directing all field processes in the first 1969 denim concept environment. Managed a unique environment and merchandised the product in innovative and compelling ways to compete for premium market share. Worked in partnership with the 1969 Design Studio to bring their seasonal inspirations to fruition within the store. Had the autonomy to create an environment that while brand appropriate, pushed the boundaries in the marketplace and set us apart from competition through visual merchandising, employee training, product assortment, operational strategies, consumer engagement, and social marketing.Edited merchandise from Gap’s main fleet assortment by thoughtfully considering trends, consumer desires, margins, and real estate constraints. Partnered with merchants to curate brand appropriate 3rd party relationships to complement the 1969 brand. Assisted the Learning and Development department with the creation of a comprehensive product training program for field employee development. In addition, hosted quarterly regional product training meetings at the design studio to build product knowledge and understanding of seasonal messaging.Operated and managed store to under budget performances. A champion of creating more efficient and streamlined store operations to decrease spend and increase revenue. Consistently challenged and improved procedures to better align with todays constantly changing retail environment.Led the business to: +19.5% comp in 2012Exceed Award for Excellence, Creativity, and Driving for Results:Fall 2009Fall 2010

Field liaison for Gap’s groundbreaking Project LA. The project was a brand building test with core principles to enhance the customer and employee experience - seeking to bring localisation and humanity back into the retail environment. Key learnings shaped the future of Gap’s store fleet in terms of operations, merchandising, design, marketing, customer engagement, and employee experience.Developed the sales and visual specialist job description and training for Project LA stores. Focused both the selling model and job description on an honest and real approach to developing meaningful relationships with customers. Built a strong, creative, and fashion conscience staff to deliver a compelling store experience in all customer touch points.Managed and maintained a compelling and new store design to attract a new consumer and strengthen our existing base. Used knowledge of trends, space planning, visual merchandising, and strategy to lead a team to create this distinct environment. Broke the mold of Gap’s traditional merchandising strategies to achieve this. Accountable to the implementation and success of the project in the field. Conducted weekly conference calls, store walk throughs, and executive meetings to articulate the progress of the project from various points of business and give feedback for improvement. Provided the field view during these meetings to help the Home Office departments understand the outcome of certain project initiatives.Directly managed and trained teams from five to 50 people in varying store environments and projects. Empowered my teams to make strategic decisions when best for the business. Challenged them constantly to grow and develop their strengths. Consistently sought out relationships in key home office departments to strengthen my experience and learn how to grow in my own role.

Drove brand loyalty by presenting an exceptional store experience that includes a well-organized, innovative, and compelling layout. While staying within brand filters, continually adapted and deviated from presentation guidelines to stay on top of local trends and consumer demands, to create an exceptional visual experience at all times.Consistently traveled the region with field visual partners to help train and develop regional visual teams. Used these workshops to strengthen the regional visual team and develop an employee succession plan for our flagship and top tier locations.In depth understanding of retail KPI’s, gross margin, and trend forecasting and how they affect business through effective and thoughtful visual merchandising. Understood the cause and effect of visual merchandising and how to build the business through it.

Worked in many aspects of the company, from sales specialist to visual expert while in high school and throughout all of college.