At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international food category strategy and drive commercial performance.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food offerings and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in food buying and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of International Food at M&S - lead category strategy, drive commercial performance and deliver food ranges that delight customers across global markets! This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded Food Buyer to lead the strategy and performance of a key international category, delivering a compelling food proposition that drives sales, profit and customer growth across multiple markets on a 12 month fixed term contract basis.
Working at the heart of the International Foods team, this role combines strategic thinking with commercial delivery, owning everything from range development and pricing to promotions, trading plans and category performance. Collaborating closely with UK Food teams and cross-functional partners, the successful candidate will use customer insight, market trends and commercial expertise to create relevant, competitive ranges that meet the needs of international customers while delivering sustainable growth. With responsibility for balancing innovation, quality and value, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the continued success of the M&S International Food business.
We are looking for someone with strong commercial and food buying experience, who can use insight and data to drive category performance and deliver customer-focused growth. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in category strategy, range development and commercial planning, alongside the ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across the business. A collaborative approach, strong commercial judgement and experience operating in international or complex retail environments will be key to success in this role.
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Commercial & Category Management – Proven ability to drive sales, profit and category performance through data-led decision making and effective trading strategies.
- Commercial Planning & Trading – Strong track record of developing category plans, supporting commercial decisions and delivering activity that drives quality, innovation and value.
- International Food Buying Expertise – Understanding of international food markets, with experience adapting ranges, pricing and promotions to meet local customer needs, market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
- Stakeholder Influencing & Cross-Functional Collaboration – Skilled at working across Buying, Product Development, Supply Chain and commercial teams to successfully deliver product launches, innovation and category plans.
Your skills and experience will include:
- Commercial & Category Leadership – Proven experience managing category performance with strong commercial acumen, balancing sales, profitability, customer needs and long-term growth.
- Strategic Category Management – Ability to develop and execute category strategies using customer insight, market trends, competitor activity and performance data to drive results.
- Commercial Planning & Trading – Strong track record of shaping trading plans and delivering commercial activity that supports value, innovation and growth.
- Data-Led Decision Making – Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify opportunities and risks, and turn insights into meaningful commercial actions.
- Influencing & Stakeholder Management – Skilled at building strong relationships and influencing across cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes.
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.
- 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.
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 to put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
International Food Buyer - 12 months Fixed Term in City of Westminster employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer Plc is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Salford. Employees benefit from a competitive package, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead cutting-edge HR technology initiatives, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Food Buyer - 12 months Fixed Term in City of Westminster
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Marks & Spencer Plc face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Marks & Spencer Plc.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Marks & Spencer Plc during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Marks & Spencer Plc. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace International Food Buyer - 12 months Fixed Term in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Marks & Spencer Plc immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Marks & Spencer Plc – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Marks & Spencer Plc. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Marks & Spencer Plc's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
