Software Engineering Manager - Commercial Trading (O9)
Operating across Food, Clothing & Home and other retail areas using the M&S own-brand model, we are a leading retailer with a unique heritage of brand values, extraordinary colleagues and customers.
Team
Digital & Tech
Store
London Support Office
Location
London, Greater London
Contract type
Permanent
Position type
Full Time
Salary
Competitive + Benefits
Closing date: 6th July 2026
Intro
About the role
Meet the Team
People Stories
Make Your Mark
Colleague Networks
Benefits
How to Apply
How We Hire
Everyone is welcome at M&S. No exceptions. It’s your background, abilities and differences that make you, uniquely you. And when you’re part of M&S, that individuality has the potential to make waves.
About the role
This section tells you all you need to know about the position and its responsibilities, outlining everything we hope to see in a successful candidate.
All the details
Summary
Join M&S Software Engineering and help shape the digital future of one of the UK’s most trusted brands. You’ll work on products and platforms that support millions of customers and thousands of colleagues, as part of an organisation investing heavily in becoming digital-first and engineering-led.
We’re looking for a Software Engineering Manager who combines strong technical judgement with a passion for building high-performing teams. This role sits within Fashion Home and Beauty, in our Commercial Planning sub domain. The successful candidate will initially work within a large programme, providing Engineering oversight, and partnering with the Vendor and implementation team to deliver optimal technical solutions.
This is an opportunity to help shape a best-in-class engineering culture, environment, and team. If you’re excited by modern technology, large-scale impact, and the chance to influence how engineering is done at M&S, this is a place where you can do some of the best work of your career.
You will be responsible for
Ensuring the operational stability and resilience of the software solutions owned by your team
Delivering high-quality software solutions that create measurable value for the business
Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and establishing strong engineering standards
Ensuring cross-functional requirements such as security, performance, and reliability are built into delivery
Holding our Vendors and partners to account for all aspects of good software delivery
Challenging solution architecture, and helping drive the right approach for any given business requirement
What you'll do
As a Software Engineering Manager, you’ll combine people leadership, technical direction, and delivery excellence to help teams solve problems through technology at scale.
Team leadership: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing software engineering team. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team. Facilitate communication and collaboration among team members. Ensure budgets, people and resource allocation, and workload, balance across projects.
Delivery excellence: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of software initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals, timelines, and customer outcomes. Manage risks and dependencies proactively, and work closely with Product, Design, and Delivery partners to define scope and priorities.
Technical leadership: Drive the adoption of strong engineering practices, standards, and methodologies. Provide guidance on complex technical challenges, shape the team’s technical roadmap with senior engineers, and help balance technical investment with product and commercial priorities.
Quality and reliability: Establish high quality standards so software meets performance, reliability, and usability expectations. Support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of existing systems, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and effectively.
Tech stack
The teams use a variety of technologies, including:
Java, Spring, SpringBOOT, Micronaut
React, Next.js, Typescript, Angular
Azure Cloud, Kubernetes, Dynatrace (observability)
SQL Server, MongoDB
Ignite, Redis
Who you are
Previous polyglot hands-on senior software engineer
Experience working on highly scalable software solutions across web or backend
Extensive background in software engineering with several years’ experience in a variety of systems and technologies
Experience building and leading teams of highly skilled, senior software engineers that deliver high-quality software.
Excellent understanding of system design, software architecture, cloud, and software engineering standard methodologies,
Promoter of DevOps: you build it, you run it.
Strong understanding of testing strategies and reliability engineering
Excellent people management, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to lead and line manage senior engineers and technical partners to a desired outcome, without prescribing it.
Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken and able to adjust for different, including non-technical audiences.
A servant-leadership mentality that is willing to take ownership of problems.
Able to influence people at senior levels and from the highly technical to non-technical
Desirable experience
Knowledge of the Retail domain, particularly around the Clothing Product development and planning lifecycle. Not essential, but would be a big advantage.
What’s in it for you
Being a part of M&S is exactly that – becoming a part and playing your part. We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and always evolving business built on core values.
Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special…
20% Colleague discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food.
A first-class welcome to M&S with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development. Having options to progress is something we’re proud of at M&S.
Attractive annual bonus, based on company performance and personal objectives.
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices website. Including GymSave – that offers up to 25% off Gym Memberships and the option to become an M&S Shareholder using our ShareSave & ShareBuy Schemes
Charity Volunteer Day – A paid day away from work to support your chosen charity.
A very generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
Every colleague at M&S has access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support – this includes access to our 24/7 Virtual GP, PAM Assist to support you & your family as well as many other schemes
Everyone’s welcome
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’re an in-person business and have core collaboration days in our Support Centre each week. For most teams, this is 3 working days where we come together to collaborate, innovate, and serve our customers thoughtfully.
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.
Meet the Team
Being an in-person business
We're at our best when we're close to customers, and for many of us at M&S, that means working in store every day.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected. It also means we can solve problems as soon as they arise, learn and grow as a team, build trust, and get closer to our colleagues.
Halford
Deepak
Janak
Halford
Deepak
Janak
Halford
Deepak
Janak
Being in third-party brands, working on things M&S hasn’t done before… that plays to my sweet spot. I’ve worked in many organisations throughout my career, and it’s rare to see such cause and effect in your work. The way we’re structured means you’re encouraged to solve problems and you have the autonomy to make progress quickly.
Halford (He / Him) | Head of Technical Program Management Read full story
At M&S, we have Data Scientists, Analysts, and Technical Product Managers, who all share a genuine passion for harnessing data to improve people’s lives. And we’re in a unique position where we can actually help many different kinds of people, from our customers to our colleagues in store and in our support centre.
Deepak (He / Him) | Data Scientist Read full story
I think all engineers just love solving puzzles and problems. At M&S, we’re constantly learning new things, whether it’s mastering Swift UI or understanding how customers interact with technology. But this is also a business that listens to engineers and values what we bring to the table. That’s different, believe me.
Janak (He / Him) | Staff iOS Engineer Read full story
Being in third-party brands, working on things M&S hasn’t done before… that plays to my sweet spot. I’ve worked in many organisations throughout my career, and it’s rare to see such cause and effect in your work. The way we’re structured means you’re encouraged to solve problems and you have the autonomy to make progress quickly.
Halford (He / Him) | Head of Technical Program Management Read full story
At M&S, we have Data Scientists, Analysts, and Technical Product Managers, who all share a genuine passion for harnessing data to improve people’s lives. And we’re in a unique position where we can actually help many different kinds of people, from our customers to our colleagues in store and in our support centre.
Deepak (He / Him) | Data Scientist Read full story
I think all engineers just love solving puzzles and problems. At M&S, we’re constantly learning new things, whether it’s mastering Swift UI or understanding how customers interact with technology. But this is also a business that listens to engineers and values what we bring to the table. That’s different, believe me.
Janak (He / Him) | Staff iOS Engineer Read full story
Being in third-party brands, working on things M&S hasn’t done before… that plays to my sweet spot. I’ve worked in many organisations throughout my career, and it’s rare to see such cause and effect in your work. The way we’re structured means you’re encouraged to solve problems and you have the autonomy to make progress quickly.
Halford (He / Him) | Head of Technical Program Management Read full story
At M&S, we have Data Scientists, Analysts, and Technical Product Managers, who all share a genuine passion for harnessing data to improve people’s lives. And we’re in a unique position where we can actually help many different kinds of people, from our customers to our colleagues in store and in our support centre.
Deepak (He / Him) | Data Scientist Read full story
I think all engineers just love solving puzzles and problems. At M&S, we’re constantly learning new things, whether it’s mastering Swift UI or understanding how customers interact with technology. But this is also a business that listens to engineers and values what we bring to the table. That’s different, believe me.
Janak (He / Him) | Staff iOS Engineer Read full story
End of quote slider carousel
Make Your Mark
Upcoming projects
Take part in our M&S Digital & Tech team days. Grow your digital and data skills through our BEAM Academy. Or challenge yourself at one of our business-wide hackathons. We also partner with Women in Data, Databricks and Cajigo to increase opportunities for women in digital and data.
Opportunities to be heard
Your voice and your ideas matter here. Our 8 colleague networks are places to find support, listen to each other and encourage debate. You can pitch ideas ‘Straight to Stuart’, our CEO, or get involved in our BIG (Business involvement Group).
Colleague Networks
We want you to feel supported, no matter what.
LGBTQ+ Network
Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.
Family & Carers Network
A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.
Gender Equality Network
Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Menopause Network
Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.
Culture and Heritage Network
Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.
Health and Wellbeing Network
Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.
Forces Community Network
Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.
Cancer Network
Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.
LGBTQ+ Network
Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.
Family & Carers Network
A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.
Gender Equality Network
Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Menopause Network
Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.
Culture and Heritage Network
Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.
Health and Wellbeing Network
Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.
Forces Community Network
Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.
Cancer Network
Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.
LGBTQ+ Network
Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.
Family & Carers Network
A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.
Gender Equality Network
Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Menopause Network
Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.
Culture and Heritage Network
Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.
Health and Wellbeing Network
Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.
Forces Community Network
Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.
Cancer Network
Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.
End of slider Colleague Networks carousel
Benefits
Wellbeing hub
Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Pay
Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount
After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
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
Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings
We’ll help you 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.
Family friendly policy
Industry-leading maternity, paternity, adoption and neo-natal policies, providing support and flexibility for you and your family.
Wellbeing hub
Wellbeing hub
Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Giving back
Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Pay
Pay
Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount
Colleague discount
After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
Time off
Time off
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Bonus
Bonus
We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance.
Life assurance
Life assurance
Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings
Workplace savings
We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices
My Choices
Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work
Cycle to work
Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech
Smart tech
Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.
Family friendly policy
Family friendly policy
Industry-leading maternity, paternity, adoption and neo-natal policies, providing support and flexibility for you and your family.
Wellbeing hub
Giving back
Pay
Colleague discount
Time off
Bonus
Life assurance
Workplace savings
My Choices
Cycle to work
Smart tech
Family friendly policy
How to Apply
Here’s what to expect at each stage of the application process. This can change depending on the role you’ve applied to. If you need any reasonable adjustments made at any stage, let us know and we can help.
Send us your application
Fill in our short application form and hit submit.
Online assessment
Depending on the role you are applying for, you may be invited to do an assessment. Your Talent Acquisition Partner will guide and inform you along the way.
Interview
We'll invite you to join us for an interview. This could be remote or in person. Here, we'll ask you some role based technical questions and examine the behaviours we're looking for.
Decision
After we’ve made our decision, we’ll be in touch. If you’ve been successful, we’ll officially invite you to join the team and let you know the next steps.