Food Technology Industrial Placement 2026

Marks and Spencer; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retailer is offering a year-long placement in Food Technology. This role involves hands-on experience in the food supply chain, including work on live projects in food safety and innovation. Ideal candidates are in their 2nd year of study in Food Science or a related degree and should possess strong communication skills and attention to detail. The position requires travel and a passion for food.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience across the food supply chain.
• Work on live projects in food safety, supplier management, and innovation.
• Split time between the Support Centre, stores, and UK suppliers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Currently in at least your 2nd year of studying Food Science, Food Technology, or another science-based degree

Job description

All the details

All the details

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

About the role

Join our industry-leading Food team and build the foundations for a career in Food Technology. On this year-long placement, you'll see how we deliver the safety, quality and innovation our customers expect, while gaining hands-on experience across our supply chain. From our Support Centre to our suppliers, you'll learn how we create world-class products and develop the skills you'll need to shape the future of food at M&S.

What you'll be doing

You'll begin with an induction into our Food Technology team, followed by two weeks in store to understand how customer needs shape everything we do. You'll then move into a six-month placement in our Support Centre, working on live projects across technical areas such as food safety, supplier management and innovation. After that, you'll spend six months with one of our trusted suppliers, broadening your knowledge of the end-to-end supply chain and how we launch products at scale. By the end of the placement, you'll have gained invaluable experience and insight to take back into your final year of study - and potentially your next step at M&S.

What you'll need

We're looking for people who are curious about how things work and excited by the idea of making a real impact on food quality. You'll need an eye for detail, strong communication skills, and the confidence to ask questions. Clear thinking under pressure, adaptability and a genuine enthusiasm for food will help you succeed here.

What we look for

This placement is all about getting hands-on, so we want proactive individuals who are ready to take responsibility from day one. You'll thrive if you're collaborative, quick to learn and motivated to deliver high standards. A love of food is essential, and you'll need to be open to travel as you'll split your time between our London Support Centre, our stores and one of our UK suppliers.

Requirements

• Currently in at least your 2nd year of studying Food Science, Food Technology, or another science-based degree
• Right to work in the UK for the full duration of the placement
• Willing and able to travel and be mobile across the UK.
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