Product Development Manager

M&S; London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food retailer in London is looking for a Product Development Manager to innovate and lead product strategies across multiple categories. The ideal candidate will drive product development by leveraging food trends and customer insights, while mentoring a dynamic team. Strong leadership skills and food industry experience are essential. This position offers various employee benefits and a hybrid working environment.

Benefits

20% colleague discount

Competitive holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus schemes

Strong pension + life assurance

tailored induction + training

Market-leading family policies

24/7 wellbeing support

1 paid volunteer day a year

Qualifications

• Ability to align product development with business goals and customer needs.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics and financial drivers.
• Skilled in identifying emerging food trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of successful products across food categories.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver products from concept to launch.
• Coach and mentor Product Developers and Assistants.

Skills

Product development alignment with business goals

Understanding of market dynamics

Identifying emerging food trends

Excellent organizational skills

Leadership and team growth

Job description

Job Description

This isn't just any job... this is an M&S Product Development Manager job!

As a Product Development Manager at M&S, you'll lead the creation of innovative, commercially successful products that delight our customers and reflect the quality and creativity M&S is known for. You'll drive product development across multiple food categories, working closely with cross-functional teams to bring ideas to life—from concept to launch.

In this role, you'll set the direction for product strategy in line with category plans and the wider Food Business vision. You'll collaborate with our dedicated developers, buyers, suppliers, and technical teams to ensure every product meets our high standards for taste, quality, and value. Your insight into food trends and customer behaviour will help shape ranges that are both exciting and relevant.

You'll also play a critical role in mentoring and developing the team, fostering a culture of innovation, pace, and excellence. If you're a strategic problem solver with a passion for food, strong leadership skills, and a drive to deliver outstanding results—this is your opportunity to make a real impact at M&S.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of commercially successful, customer-focused products across multiple food categories, aligned with category and business strategy
• Identify and apply food trends and customer insights to drive innovation and ensure M&S remains a market leader in quality and creativity
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Buying, Technical, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to deliver products from concept to launch
• Manage supplier relationships and development processes to ensure product quality, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Coach and mentor Product Developers and Assistants, fostering a high-performing, innovative, and collaborative team culture

Qualifications

• Ability to align product development with business goals, category plans, and customer needs
• Strong understanding of market dynamics, customer behaviour, and financial drivers
• Skilled in identifying emerging food trends and translating them into relevant products
• Excellent organisational skills to handle multiple product launches and cross-functional collaboration
• Shown ability to lead, inspire, and grow a high-performing product development team

Benefits

What’s in it for You?

Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - delivering 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.

• 20% colleague discount for you + 1 household member (after probation)
• Competitive holiday allowance + option to buy more
• Discretionary bonus schemes linked to performance
• Strong pension + life assurance
• Tailored induction + training from day one
• Perks and savings via M&S Choices portal
• Market-leading family policies (parental, adoption, neonatal leave)
• 24/7 wellbeing support (GP access + mental health services)
• 1 paid volunteer day a year

Everyone's Welcome

We are ambitious about the future of retail - disrupting, innovating and leading into a more inspiring digital era. We want diverse, representative teams where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.

If you need support or adjustments during recruitment, let us know in your application. Our team will make sure you have what you need to do your best.

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