At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier partnerships and drive innovative product development in food safety and quality.
- Company: Join M&S, a trusted retailer committed to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while working with passionate colleagues.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and proven senior experience in the food sector.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong career growth and support for diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
We\’re looking for someone accomplished and confident in their technical leadership. This isn\’t a step-up role, it\’s a step in, to a position with weight and visibility. Our Senior Technologists are trusted experts. You\’ll represent M&S in the supply base, steer quality strategy, and make calls that balance technical integrity with commercial goals.
This role is hugely varied, and no two days are the same! You will lead on the quality, innovation, food safety, integrity, ethical and sustainability credentials of our products and work with passionate colleagues to continuously learn and step change our product ranges.
You’ll move confidently between solo work and collaboration, adapt when priorities shift, and balance technical decisions with commercial goals. Food retail moves fast, and priorities aren\’t always clear cut, you\’ll need to be resilient, comfortable with ambiguity, and ready to solve problems creatively. And if in doubt, engineer more quality in.
If you care about quality, thrive on variety, and want to make a real impact-this could be your next move.
Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
What you\’ll do
- Lead supplier partnerships to ensure products are made safely and consistently to agreed standards
- Partner with the category team to shape innovative product development and define quality benchmarks
- Build and deliver research and innovation plans that drive strategic new product development
- Own product quality performance, using insight and supplier collaboration to deliver step changes where needed
Who you are
- Degree-level technical qualification in a relevant subject
- Proven experience within the food sector, operating at a senior level
- Confidence and credibility to lead technical decisions, represent the business externally, and influence quality strategy
- Externally recognised professional competence where appropriate (e.g., FIFST, MIFST)
What\’s in it for you?
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
- 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.
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Senior Food Technologist employer: M&S
Contact Detail:
M&S Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Food Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend food tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching M&S and their values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for quality and innovation in food technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Senior Food Technologist role. Highlight your technical leadership skills and how you can contribute to M&S's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Food Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Quality: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for quality shine through. Share specific examples of how you've ensured product integrity and safety in your previous roles. We want to see that you care about delivering exceptional products!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in the food sector, especially at a senior level. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills with what we're looking for. This helps us see how you fit into our team at M&S.
Be Creative and Problem-Solving: We love candidates who can think outside the box! In your application, mention times when you've tackled challenges creatively or led innovative projects. This shows us you're ready to adapt and thrive in our fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at M&S
✨Know Your Stuff
As a Senior Food Technologist, you need to be well-versed in food safety, quality standards, and innovation. Brush up on the latest trends in the food sector and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with M&S's commitment to quality and sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires confidence and credibility in technical decision-making. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to influence and collaborate with others to achieve quality goals.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
Food retail is fast-paced and often unpredictable. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated ambiguity in previous roles. Share specific instances where you've creatively solved problems or adapted to shifting priorities while maintaining product integrity.
✨Align with M&S Values
Familiarise yourself with M&S's mission and values, especially their focus on quality and ethical practices. During the interview, express your passion for these values and how you can contribute to their vision of being the UK's most trusted retailer.