At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety initiatives and ensure compliance across all operations.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic and inclusive retail leader.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and customer trust.
- Qualifications: Food Safety Level 3 & 4 and HACCP qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Description
What You Will Do
- Lead the development and maintenance of the Retail Food Safety & Compliance framework, including HACCP (Food Safety Management System), policies, processes and the M&S way, ensuring legal compliance and safe food production.
- Design and implement inspection, verification and governance programmes that assess store compliance, monitor performance and provide assurance that food safety standards are consistently embedded across all operations.
- Lead food safety and compliance incident management, investigating root causes, responding to serious customer complaints and external enforcement matters, and implementing sustainable corrective and preventative actions.
- Analyse food safety and compliance trends, identify emerging risks and legislative changes, and develop appropriate business responses to protect the business and strengthen due diligence.
- Collaborate with operational teams, regulatory bodies, suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve standards, simplify processes, embed a strong safety culture and leverage technology and AI to enhance compliance and reduce manual workload.
- Who You Will Be
- A food safety expert with a passion for protecting customers, colleagues and the business through strong governance, compliance and risk management.
- A strategic thinker who can translate legal and regulatory requirements into practical, simple and effective solutions for operational teams.
- An influential stakeholder manager who can build trusted relationships across the business and confidently engage with external regulators, enforcement officers and service providers.
- A resilient and adaptable leader who remains calm under pressure when managing incidents, enforcement issues and business-critical risks.
- A proactive problem solver with strong coaching, communication and influencing skills who can drive continuous improvement and positive behavioural change.
- What You Will Bring
- Food Safety Level 3 & 4, HACCP Level 3 & 4 and Allergens Level 3 qualifications.
- Strong experience developing and managing food safety management systems, compliance frameworks, inspection programmes and governance processes within a food retail, logistics or hospitality environment.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify risk trends, conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
- Strong organisational, project management, decision-making and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and manage multiple workstreams.
- Up-to-date knowledge of food safety legislation, regulatory requirements and industry best practice, with experience working alongside enforcement bodies, operational teams and external service providers.
- What’s in it for you
Being a part of M&S is exactly that – playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day.
We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever‑evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value and service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.
Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special…
- 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third‑party brands for you and a member of your household.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry‑leading parental, adoption and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues, including our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist for you and your family.
- A charity volunteer day to support a cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
- 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.
Food Safety Manager employer: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee growth, making it a fantastic place for those looking to thrive in the retail sector. With flexible working hours and a commitment to personal development, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their roles while contributing to a dynamic and supportive work culture. Join us in shaping a greener, more inspiring future in retail, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Safety 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & Spencer, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Safety Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Marks & 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 & 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 & 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 & Spencer. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & 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 & Spencer’s mission.