At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure safe, high-quality food products while driving innovation.
- Company: Join M&S Food, a leader in quality and innovation in the food industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and strong wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to transforming retail.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Food science qualification and experience in managing teams required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re reshaping our Food business to broaden its appeal, protecting the magic our customers love while modernising everything else. That means outstanding quality, high sourcing standards, and market-leading innovation remain at our core, while we transform our supply chains, improve our stores, and deliver better value. We’re looking for motivated people ready to bring their whole self to work and thrive in a fast‑paced, ambitious team. After all, this isn’t just food… this is M&S Food.
As Category Technical Manager, you will lead and inspire a team of technologists to deliver safe, stable and legal products that meet the high standards customers expect from M&S. You will build a high performing team, coaching colleagues to grow their expertise and supporting them with clarity and confidence as they navigate technical challenges. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will remain hands on, working operationally within your category to oversee product areas and supplier partnerships. This blend of people leadership and practical technical ownership means you stay close to the detail while shaping the bigger picture. You will influence category strategy, strengthen supplier performance, drive technical innovation and ensure robust governance. Your ability to lead people, guide decision making and remain practically connected to the work will make a meaningful impact every day.
Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible. Please note this role is a 12‑month fixed term contract.
What you’ll do
- Lead, coach and develop a high performing team of technologists, creating an environment where people can thrive and deliver their best work.
- Drive the technical agenda for your category, shaping innovation, quality improvements and supplier performance through strong leadership.
- Guide your team through technical challenges and incidents, providing calm, clear direction that protects customers and the brand.
- Build capability across the team by championing continuous learning, structured development and technical excellence.
- Collaborate with colleagues across trading and product to ensure strong alignment and delivery of category strategy.
Who you are
- An inclusive and confident people leader who inspires trust, builds capability and brings out the best in others.
- Skilled at managing and supporting a team, with experience line managing multiple direct reports and guiding colleagues through change.
- A technically strong food professional with a formal qualification in a food related science and relevant industry experience.
- Calm and considered under pressure, able to provide clarity and direction during incidents or complex technical challenges.
- Committed to continuous professional development, maintaining strong technical knowledge and driving learning across the team.
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast‑moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Everyone’s welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
If you feel you’d benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Category Technical Manager employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly within the Corporate HR technology team. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits. Working in a dynamic location, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that enhance the colleague experience throughout their journey with the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Technical Manager
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Marks and Spencer.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Marks and Spencer!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Marks and Spencer, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Marks and Spencer, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Technical Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Marks and Spencer, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Marks and Spencer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Marks and Spencer. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Marks and Spencer. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Marks and Spencer’s mission.
