A fast-paced programme for those who are passionate about food. Discover how to deliver quality and innovative products for one of the UK’s most-loved Food businesses.
Discover more about what to expect from the Food Business Programme, what kind of skills are best suited for each track and the career prospects this programme can offer you.
This is a very competitive programme, so we may close applications earlier than advertised.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll start with a 4‑month placement in one of our stores. There you’ll understand customers and colleagues first‑hand and gain valuable experience before moving into your chosen track.
* In Commercial, you’ll spend time in Supply Chain, Space, Range & Display and Buying. You’ll analyse customer data to help forecast demand, get the right products on the shelves, work with suppliers and plan exciting new product ranges.
* In Marketing and Product, you’ll join the teams that get our Food in front of the nation. One minute you could be working on PR plans or our next iconic TV ad; the next you’ll see first‑hand how we develop products from start to finish.
What it takes to succeed
High standards and a shared passion. It’s not about a specific degree, but about real enthusiasm for M&S and the quality Food products we create. For the Commercial track, you’ll need to be comfortable with numbers and data, with an analytic mind. For the Marketing and Product track, you’ll need an eye for detail and a love of innovation and creative thinking.
In addition, these skills will set you up for success across both tracks:
* Showing the ambition to lead and responding confidently to resolve situations
* Learning quickly and striving for high standards
* A genuine interest in customer needs and ability to innovate to meet them
* Building strong relationships and clearly communicating across teams
Where it could lead
With this programme you’ll gain a strong commercial awareness, a deep understanding of how our Food business works and a clear sense of where you’re headed. You’ll finish with a permanent role within the M&S Food business and be on track for a long‑term career with leadership potential.
* With the Commercial track, that could mean roles involving buying, planning ranges, managing supply and demand or shaping strategies.
* With Marketing and Product, you could lead PR and media campaigns, shape brand communications or develop new food ranges.
Why choose M&S Food?
Our food is renowned for quality, value and innovation. With over 32 million customers and stores nationwide, we’re continually looking for new ways to improve and stay ahead in a fast‑changing market. Our five‑year vision is to reshape retail for the future, and our graduates sit at the heart of this transformation as the future leaders of M&S.
Learning & support
Your development is our priority. We’ll give you a structured programme including mentoring, on‑the‑job training and opportunities to solve real challenges that will help you build a long‑term career at M&S. We provide resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or volunteering for them.
Pay and benefits
After completing your probation period, you’ll receive a 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and a member of your household. Only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible.
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance: cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings: pension savings plan, share‑buy and sharesave schemes.
My Choices: discounts and offers on everyday costs and health benefits.
Cycle to work: bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work, saving on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech: buy the latest technology with interest‑free financing directly from your salary.
Requirements & essential skills
Whichever programme track you choose, you’ll need:
* Ambition to lead and a genuine enthusiasm for food.
* Confidence, curiosity and good communication skills.
* Ability to get close to customers and challenge the status quo.
For each track, you’ll need:
* Commercial: Comfortable interpreting and analysing data and numbers.
* Marketing and Product: Detail‑oriented, innovative and creative thinker.
Additional requirements:
* You must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme.
* A degree is not required, but if you have one, it does not need to be in a specific subject.
Application
Your first step is to complete our online application form. You can only apply to one graduate or school leaver programme during this recruitment cycle, which starts in September 2026. We close vacancies on a rolling basis; applications are accepted as they come in, but we encourage you to submit as soon as possible.
Assessment
You’ll go through a two‑stage online assessment, followed by an assessment centre if successful. For store‑based roles, you may be invited to a final interview in one of our stores.
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