
Department vision Food
"Our successful Food business delivers marketing-leading quality, freshness, innovation and value. But we’re not done there. We're always in the market for new ideas and increased drive in our quest to be a leader in the food industry, our early careers talent plays a big role in that. We want people who are not only ambitious for themselves, but for the business and their colleagues. It’s a team game, every single colleague involved with the food group has a major role to play in our strategy."
George Wright, Commercial Director – Food
Agronomy Graduate Programme 2023
Want to build a legacy you’ll look back on with pride? Join the creative, digital and commercial legends of tomorrow for an innovative Graduate Programme you’ll never forget. Intentionally designed to help you shape the fast-moving world of retail, your programme will deliver a masterclass in technical training, structured mentorship, and 360-feedback. While zoning in on the fascinating world of commercial agronomy.
M&S Food is loved for all kinds of reasons, but especially for its quality and sustainability. So much care, skill and innovative thinking that goes into producing it. If you’re studying for a horticulture related qualification, few places can offer you a more valuable graduate experience than us. From learning the secrets of our agronomy experts on how we do it best, to overseeing the supply chain from farmer to shelf, to helping our growers achieve the highest standards – the real experience and unique insights you’ll gain here will catch the eye of all future employers in the industry.
Here, you’ll take full ownership of your own Food business project, before moving on to work closely with one of our strategic suppliers. We’re at the forefront of agronomical technologies to ensure we always pushing the envelope on the most innovative, best tasting produce – so if you have a forward-thinking digital nature, this is where you need to be.
Key skills and experience
The confidence to build and manage supplier relationships
Initiative, adaptability, and flexibility
A love of innovation and food
An understanding of how to use processes and systems to deliver more efficiently
Please note this job is closed. You can sign up for a job alert below. M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. That’s why we’re revolutionising how we work and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. There’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Marks & Spencer aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make an immediate impact. We are committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process, and we are happy to talk flexible working. If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment.
Where I started
Today’s graduate; tomorrow’s legend. Many of our more senior colleagues and leaders started out in early careers positions. Some of whom follow a linear career path, many used their experiences and skills to move elsewhere in the business. Just know that you’ll be supported to follow the path you choose to carve for yourself, whatever that may be.
An example of a career path within Food could be:
- Food Technologist
- Senior technologist
- Technical Manager
- Category Technical Manager
Application Guidance
Legends seize the chance to use their strengths every day. That’s why we’re looking to see what makes you tick through the following assessment stages:
- An online assessment taking approximately 45 minutes, focusing on your individual strengths
- An on-demand video interview
- A final assessment stage; either at an assessment centre attended alongside peers, or a final interview
We’ll support anyone who requires reasonable adjustments to their application process – just let us know before the assessments start.
Some technical programmes may ask you to complete a short numerical reasoning test or a coding assessment. And most of our assessments are untimed, but we’ll make you aware of any timed elements in advance.
As a tip, avoid overly rehearsing your responses, especially for your video interview. We want you to be bold, be different, and be you.
Our Benefits
Pay
Our salaries are competitive and reviewed every year
Colleague discount
Receive 20% discount in-store and online for you and a member of your household
Time off
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Bonus
We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance
Life assurance
Cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan)
Workplace Savings
Helping you to save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My choices
Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits
Cycle to work
Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work, and save on tax and national insurance
SMART tech
Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary
Health and Wellbeing
Resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support favourite charities - donate through your pay or even volunteer for them