At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international wholesale strategy and drive sustainable growth for M&S Foods globally.
- Company: Join M&S, a beloved brand with a mission to delight customers worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence growth across multiple markets and channels.
- Why this job: Shape the future of M&S Foods and make a global impact in a fast-paced role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial leadership and building profitable international partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At M&S, we’re on a mission to bring our much-loved fashion, food, and home products to over 32 million customers worldwide—and we want you to help shape what’s next. As a pivotal member of our international leadership team, you’ll collaborate across cultures and countries, building inclusive partnerships and driving innovation!
Are you motivated by strategic impact, brand stewardship and long‑term value creation? Then this is the platform you are looking for as we need your help to define the future of M&S Foods on the global stage!
This is a pivotal leadership role within our International team, which will shape how the M&S Foods brand shows up across the world. The Head of International Wholesale Foods sets and delivers a compelling end‑to‑end international wholesale strategy, driving sustainable and profitable growth across multiple partners, channels and markets.
With ownership of the total International Foods Wholesale P&L, the role defines long‑term commercial models, establishes clear standards for partnership performance, and ensures exceptional brand execution and customer experience at scale. Acting as the senior commercial voice for wholesale, it builds influential relationships with partners and engages at Board and ExCo level internally and externally.
Translating M&S’s international ambition into multi‑year, omnichannel growth plans, this role plays a critical part in bringing the very best of M&S Foods to customers globally while unlocking meaningful long‑term value for the business!
This role is suited to a senior commercial leader who loves a fast pace environment and has a track record of building profitable international wholesale partnerships who can bring our iconic food brands to life at scale. It offers the opportunity to shape global strategy, own a significant P&L, and influence growth across multiple markets and channels!
NB: Although this role is based at our Paddington Support Office a minimum of three days a week some overseas travel may be required to either within the UK or internationally.
What you’ll do
Your key accountabilities will include:
- International Foods Wholesale Strategy & Portfolio Leadership: Define, own and deliver the International Foods Wholesale strategy, fully aligned to the wider International and Group growth agenda. Set and steer a five‑year omni‑channel growth plan across regions, categories and partners, making clear recommendations on market prioritisation, entry and exit decisions, and capital allocation. Own and continuously evolve the Wholesale Foods Playbook to ensure it remains scalable, market‑relevant and brand‑led.
- Commercial Ownership & P&L Accountability: Hold full accountability for the aggregate International Foods Wholesale P&L, driving sustainable growth across sales, margin and cash. Lead long‑range financial planning, investment prioritisation and scenario modelling, ensuring all partnerships operate within robust commercial and legal frameworks.
Head of Foods Wholesale - International employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Contact Detail:
Marks & Spencer Plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Foods Wholesale - International
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to M&S. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching M&S’s international strategy. Know their values and how they operate globally. This will help you showcase how your experience aligns with their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can drive sustainable growth and build partnerships. Highlight your past successes in similar roles to show you’re the right fit for the Head of Foods Wholesale position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the M&S team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Foods Wholesale - International
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for the industry and how it aligns with M&S's mission to bring quality food to customers worldwide.
Highlight Your Strategic Mindset: Make sure to emphasise your strategic thinking skills. Discuss past experiences where you've successfully developed and executed growth strategies, especially in international markets, to demonstrate your fit for this pivotal role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Foods Wholesale position. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what M&S is looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the M&S team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Foods Wholesale, you'll be responsible for the P&L. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've driven growth in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed budgets, increased margins, or improved cash flow.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
This role is all about shaping the future of M&S Foods internationally. Be prepared to articulate your vision for the brand's global strategy. Think about market prioritisation and how you would approach entry and exit decisions in various regions.
✨Build Relationships
Influential relationships are key in this position. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with partners and stakeholders in the past. Highlight your experience in engaging at board level and how you’ve built trust across cultures.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Adaptability
M&S is looking for someone who can drive innovation. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted strategies in fast-paced environments. Bring examples of how you've led teams through change and implemented new ideas that have had a significant impact.