Principal Software Engineer - Food

Team

Digital & Tech

Store

London Support Office

Location

London, Greater London

Contract type

Permanent

Position type

Full Time

Salary

Competitive + Benefits

Closing date: 2nd 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

Job purpose

As part of the M&S Software Engineering team, you’ll be joining a well-loved historic brand, working on solutions that serves millions of loyal customers and thousands of colleagues! With ethical values that run right through the company’s core and technology leaders that truly understand software engineers and engineering, it’s an exciting time as we’re redefining ourselves into a digital first and engineering-led organisation, with the quality of our engineering team being a key differentiator.

We are seeking a passionate Principal Software Engineer to join our Food & International Food category, where you will be a driving force behind the modernisation of mission-critical systems for M&S, as we scale. As a technical leader, you will be collaborating with multiple cross-functional teams to design, build, and maintain the software that powers us everyday. Your expertise will help us create a best-in-class engineering environment while ensuring our systems are robust, scalable, and reusable across our multiple warehouses.

Reports to

Senior Head of Software Engineering

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The Principal Software Engineer role is the embodiment of ‘solving problems through technology’ with key responsibilities as follows:

Lead technical excellence from design to operations and launch of core product features or strategic programmes

Drive technical direction and influence our overall strategy informing decisions on both Technology and Product investments as well as teams’ setup

Champion Communities of Practice to help establish engineering excellence at M&S

Lead by example via contributions to our engineering ecosystem

Pioneer and promote methodologies like clean code and clean architecture

Advocate for engineering productivity, delivery quality and operational excellence through a continuous ecosystem

Drive DevOps practices to automate the Product development life cycle and ownership demeanour

Partner with both Engineering, Technology and Product leadership to ensure strategies align

Develop the best and mentor other senior engineering roles across the entire landscape

Promote effective innovation across all of engineering

Advocate and strategize for continuous industrialisation and product-minded tech capabilities

Inspire ideas to foster purpose and mastery to engineering teams, leading them towards autonomy and maturity

Amplify engineering teams by efficiently unblocking them with direction, leading upward, and establishing alignment

Raise the profile of MS Tech through public content and contribution/creation into open-source technology

Support recruitment, onboarding and internal and external brand outreach activities

Tech Stack

M&S uses a variety of technologies across the Food & International Food team and, as part of our modernization drive, will be introducing new ones. The sorts of technologies include:

Java, Micronaut, PL/SQL

ReactJS, Next.js

Azure Cloud, Dynatrace (observability)

Mule, Kafka, MQ

Blue Yonder Dispatcher

Essential Experience

Significant track record of strategic and innovative thinking, as well as execution and implementation

Specialist in clean code and implementation of design patterns for common problems.

Depth of knowledge in Information Security, you can design, quality review and quality assure solutions and services with security controls embedded.

Confident driving system design conversations, building systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity

Able to analyse current processes, identify, and implement opportunities to optimise processes, and lead and develop a team of specialists to deliver service improvements

Experience of using a variety of methods of prototyping. You know how to share methodologies and can mentor others. You look at strategic service design end to end

Strong ability to influence industry-based models for the development of new technology applications. You develop effective implementation and procurement strategies, consistent with business needs. You ensure alignment to relevant technical strategies, policies, standards, and practices

Strong understanding of quality assurance, testing quadrants and the testing pyramid, and how to apply them

Ability to lead senior engineers and technical customers to a desired outcome, without prescribing it

Authoritative skills at cloud computing (network, security, serverless, Kubernetes etc) and automation

Experience with implementation of Observability and Reliability using market technologies (e.g.: New Relic)

Good experience with Performance Engineering (load testing, derivations, tuning, core web vitals, page speed etc.)

Expertise in reliability testing

Able to influence people at senior levels and from the highly technical to non-technical

Desirable experience

Previous software engineering community leadership experience

Professional presentation delivery at internal and external events

An ambition to be an open-source contributor, technology writer or speaker

Advocate and experience of Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery

Advanced experience of DevOps: you build it, you run it

Cares about the business and the bigger picture with significant prior examples

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken and able to adjust for different audiences

A senior leadership mentality that is willing to take ownership.

Demonstrable entrepreneurship in previous organisation(s)

Works closely with

You’ll be working closely with other Principal Software Engineers, Heads of Software Engineering, Heads of Product, Commercial, Finance, Software Engineering Managers, Software Engineers, and Product Managers to collaboratively address problems. There will be day-to-day interactions with Technical Programme Managers, who you’ll work with to constantly evolve your team’s ways of working. Depending on your team(s), you could also interact with other specialists such as Architects, Data Scientists, UX/UI Designers, and analytics authorities.

As a member of M&S Software Engineering, you’ll also have the opportunity to work with and learn from other engineers and specialists in the organisation through Business Platforms, Product Portfolios, Product Groups, other teams and Communities of Practice.

M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the 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. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process. If you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulty which means you are unable to complete the application process online, please get in touch either by phone on 0345 300 3725 or by email recruitment.online@marksandspencer.com so we can make alternative arrangements for you.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-PJ1

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.

Deepak

Janak

Halford

Deepak

Janak

Halford

Deepak

Janak

Halford

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

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

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.

Cancer Network

Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.

Family & Carers Network

A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.

Forces Community Network

Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.

Menopause Network

Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.

Gender Equality Network

Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.

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.

LGBTQ+ Network

Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our 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.

Cancer Network

Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.

Family & Carers Network

A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.

Forces Community Network

Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.

Menopause Network

Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.

Gender Equality Network

Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.

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.

LGBTQ+ Network

Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our 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.

Cancer Network

Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.

Family & Carers Network

A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.

Forces Community Network

Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.

Menopause Network

Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.

Gender Equality Network

Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.

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.

LGBTQ+ Network

Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our 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.

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.