Product Development Manager

Marks & Spencer Plc; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retailer is seeking a Product Development Manager for Hampers, Cards & Wrap, Floral & Horticulture. In this role, you'll lead the strategy for innovative gifting products, managing a dedicated team. Your focus will be on delivering exceptional quality and impactful launches, while engaging cross-functionally to inspire creative gifting solutions. The position offers competitive benefits and a dynamic work environment that values inclusivity and personal growth.

Benefits

20% colleague discount

Competitive holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus schemes

Strong pension and life assurance

Tailored induction and training

Perks and savings via portal

Market-leading family policies

24/7 wellbeing support

1 paid volunteer day a year

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic product development and market analysis.
• Proven track record in leadership and driving team performance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy for non-food gifting product development.
• Manage an 18-24 month commercial product pipeline.
• Set quality standards and maintain customer focus.
• Motivate and lead a high-performing product development team.
• Utilize data and insights for continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Adaptability

Job description

We’re reshaping our Food business to broaden its appeal, protecting the magic our customers love while modernising everything else. That means outstanding quality, high sourcing standards, and market-leading innovation remain at our core, while we transform our supply chains, improve our stores, and deliver better value. We’re looking for motivated people ready to bring their whole self to work and thrive in a fast-paced, ambitious team. After all, this isn’t just food… this is M&S Food.

This isn’t just any job… this is an M&S Product Development Manager job! As a Product Development Manager for Hampers, Cards & Wrap, Floral & Horticulture, you’ll lead the creation of beautifully curated gifting experiences that go beyond food. From luxury hampers to stylish cards and beautiful flowers and plants, you’ll lead the strategy and a team of Product Developers to deliver innovative, commercially successful products that delight our customers and showcase the magic of M&S. You’ll own all online gifting launches, ensuring they land with impact, on time, and to the highest quality. Collaborating across the Food business, you’ll bring together exceptional products and creative ideas to craft gifts that make every occasion special. This is your chance to shape the future of gifting at one of the UK’s most iconic brands.

What You’ll Do

• Lead strategy and innovation for non-food gifting, driving new product development and market-leading ideas
• Deliver commercial product development through an 18–24-month pipeline, ensuring launches are impactful, on time, and aligned with business strategy
• Set and maintain quality standards, keeping the customer at the heart of every decision
• Motivate and lead a high-performing team, supporting personal development and accountability for KPIs
• Manage complex projects through critical paths, using data and insights to drive decisions and continuous improvement

Who You Are

• Strategic planning and commercial acumen, using market and customer data to develop successful product propositions
• Leadership and influencing skills to engage teams and stakeholders at all levels
• Strong project management capability to handle multiple complex projects effectively
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for building relationships internally and externally
• Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment

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.