At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative, high-quality food products and collaborate with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join M&S, a leader in the food industry with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of customers while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for food trends are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ 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.
As a Product Developer at M&S, you'll play a key role in creating the innovative, high-quality products that our customers know and love. Working at the heart of a fast-paced commercial team, you'll collaborate closely with Buyers, Technical Managers, and suppliers to turn customer insights, trends, and great ideas into products that stand out on our shelves. From spotting opportunities and developing new products to improving customer favorites, you'll be involved in every stage of the product journey, helping bring products from concept to launch and ensuring they deliver for our customers.
No two days are the same. One day you could be tasting new concepts with suppliers, the next working alongside Technical and Buying teams to solve challenges, refine products, or bring a launch to life. You'll have the opportunity to influence decisions, build strong relationships, and see the direct impact of your work on millions of customers. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a passionate, customer-focused team where innovation, collaboration, and quality are at the centre of everything we do. If you're curious, creative, commercially minded, and excited by the idea of bringing great products to market, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
- Keep up to date with trends in foods and lifestyle, packaging and ingredients (e.g. involving active research, travel, eating out and comparative shopping)
- Deliver product strategy agreed by the business unit, developing products / ranges in line with Brand Values
- Input into category strategy with Trading Manager, Head of Product Development, Brand Marketing, Technologist and Buyer
- Set strategy for product ranges in line with category objectives set by Trading Manager/ Head of Product Development.
- Identify commercial product development opportunities within own area of responsibility
Who You Are
- Focused, innovative and high quality product ranges
- Customer satisfaction targets in product quality and innovation for category
- Successful new product development for the category
- Sales and market share targets
- Deliver product to meet the Brand Values of the category
What's in it for You?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - delivering 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.
- 20% colleague discount for you + 1 household member (after probation)
- Competitive holiday allowance + option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to performance
- Strong pension + life assurance
- Tailored induction + training from day one
- Perks and savings via M&S Choices portal
- Market-leading family policies (parental, adoption, neonatal leave)
- 24/7 wellbeing support (GP access + mental health services)
- 1 paid volunteer day a year
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.
Product Developer employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Technical Programme Manager, you will have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on customer experiences through cutting-edge technology and loyalty initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer
✨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 Product Developer
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.
