Range Planner

Range Planner

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape and optimise product ranges using data and customer insights.
  • Company: Join M&S Food, a leader in innovative retail.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, ambitious team.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience with data tools like Excel or Power BI.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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.

Join our Foods team as a Range Planner, where you’ll play a key role in shaping and optimising product ranges across the UK. You’ll use data, customer insight and commercial understanding to build ranges that are relevant, easy to shop and deliver strong commercial results. Working cross‑functionally with Buying, Product Development, Supply Chain and Store Operations, you’ll ensure range decisions are aligned, deliverable and customer‑focused. We’re looking for someone who is confident working with data, comfortable challenging thinking, and able to turn insight into clear, actionable recommendations.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

What you’ll do

  • Be responsible for the creation and optimisation of product ranges, ensuring they meet customer needs and deliver against commercial objectives.
  • Use cluster‑based ranging to tailor ranges across stores and improve overall performance.
  • Analyse performance data and customer behaviour to see opportunities and inform decisions.
  • Work cross‑functionally to ensure ranges are operationally deliverable and aligned to space, supply and execution.
  • Translate analysis into clear insights and recommendations that drive better commercial outcomes.

Who you are

  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to work confidently with data and draw clear insights.
  • A great communicator who can influence and challenge partners where needed.
  • Organised and delivery‑focused, able to prioritise effectively.
  • Commercially aware, with the ability to balance customer, operational and financial outcomes.
  • Experience using tools such as Excel or Power BI (or similar) to support decision‑making.

What’s in it for you?

  • 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.

Range Planner employer: Marks & Spencer Plc

Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Range Planner in our Foods team, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including a generous colleague discount, tailored training from day one, and strong support for your wellbeing and development. Our commitment to inclusivity and employee growth ensures that you can bring your whole self to work while making a meaningful impact in reshaping the future of retail.

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Contact Details:

Marks & Spencer Plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Range Planner

Join Food Science Communities

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Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops

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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 & Spencer Plc, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.

Leverage University Career Services

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We think you need these skills to ace Range Planner

Analytical Skills
Data Analysis
Customer Insight
Commercial Awareness
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Marks & Spencer Plc, 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 & Spencer Plc.

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 & Spencer Plc. 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 & Spencer Plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc

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 & Spencer Plc’s mission.