The role of a Marks & Spencer (M&S) Food Section Manager is central to the daily operations of one of the UK’s most respected and innovative retail brands. Responsible for overseeing food departments, managing teams, ensuring compliance, and maintaining impeccable customer service standards, a Section Manager ensures that the store delivers a seamless and high-quality experience. The position requires strong leadership, commercial awareness, and the ability to juggle operational tasks with people management.
As of 2025, the typical salary for a Food Section Manager at Marks & Spencer in the UK ranges from £27,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience and location. M&S also offers attractive benefits including staff discounts, bonuses, and pension contributions.
Whether you’re applying internally or from outside the company, being well-prepared for the interview is crucial. Below are 20 frequently asked interview questions and expertly crafted answers to help you stand out from the crowd.
Top 20 Marks & Spencer (Food) Section Manager Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why do you want to work as a Food Section Manager at Marks & Spencer?
I’m passionate about retail leadership and customer service, and M&S’s reputation for quality and innovation in the food sector strongly aligns with my values. This role would allow me to bring my people management and operational skills to a brand I genuinely admire.
2. What do you know about M&S’s food offering?
Marks & Spencer is renowned for its high-quality, ethically sourced food products. From premium ready meals to sustainability-led ranges, M&S consistently innovates to meet customer expectations.
3. How would you manage team performance in a fast-paced environment?
I’d set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, celebrate wins, and use coaching techniques to address performance gaps. I also believe in leading by example to foster a strong team culture.
4. How do you ensure food safety and compliance on the shop floor?
I regularly audit the department for temperature checks, use-by dates, and cleanliness. I also ensure staff are trained in hygiene practices and escalate any issues immediately.
5. Describe a time you dealt with a customer complaint.
A customer once complained about a missing item in their online order. I listened empathetically, offered a refund and discount, and personally followed up to ensure they felt valued.
6. How do you approach staff scheduling and rota planning?
I use forecasting tools and historic data to schedule efficiently. I also ensure fairness in shift distribution and remain flexible to accommodate team availability where possible.
7. How would you boost food sales in your section?
By analyzing sales data, adjusting layouts for seasonal promotions, training staff on upselling, and ensuring availability of high-demand items.
8. What KPIs would you focus on in this role?
Sales growth, waste reduction, customer satisfaction scores, availability, and team performance metrics such as attendance and engagement.
9. How do you stay calm under pressure during peak times?
I prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and maintain clear communication with my team to keep operations running smoothly.
10. How would you motivate a team during a difficult shift?
By remaining positive, offering support, acknowledging hard work, and keeping morale high through recognition and encouragement.
11. Tell us about a time you led a successful team initiative.
At my previous job, I introduced a weekly recognition board that boosted morale and improved staff engagement, which translated into better customer feedback.
12. What’s your leadership style?
I’m a collaborative leader. I like to involve my team in decision-making while holding them accountable for their responsibilities.
13. How do you handle underperforming team members?
I have a direct but supportive approach—identify the root cause, have an honest conversation, set improvement goals, and follow up regularly.
14. How would you handle a food safety incident?
I would isolate the affected product, log the incident, notify management, and investigate the cause. Staff would be briefed to prevent recurrence.
15. What steps would you take during a stock loss investigation?
Review CCTV footage, check delivery logs, conduct staff interviews, and report findings to senior management, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
16. How do you ensure excellent customer service across the section?
Through regular training, daily team briefings, and being present on the shop floor to coach in real-time.
17. Describe your experience with merchandising and stock control.
I have experience managing planograms, conducting stocktakes, rotating products to reduce waste, and coordinating with the warehouse team to ensure stock accuracy.
18. What’s your approach to working cross-functionally with other departments?
I prioritize communication, respect each department’s challenges, and focus on shared goals for the benefit of the customer and the store.
19. How do you handle sudden changes, like a delivery delay or staff absence?
By remaining calm, reassigning tasks, communicating clearly with the team, and adjusting priorities without compromising on standards.
20. What makes you the right candidate for this position?
I bring a blend of leadership experience, operational expertise, and a customer-first mindset. My values align with M&S, and I’m driven to contribute to the continued success of the food section.
Final Thoughts: Interview Preparation Tips for M&S Food Section Manager Role
Preparation is the key to success. Take time to research M&S’s values, rehearse answers tailored to their customer-first culture, and come prepared with examples from your own experience. Keep STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) structure in mind when answering behavioral questions.
Also:
Dress smartly but comfortably.
Show enthusiasm for the brand.
Be honest, authentic, and concise.
Don’t forget to ask questions at the end—show your interest in their future and culture.
You’ve made it this far—confidence and preparation will take you the rest of the way. Good luck with your Marks & Spencer Food Section Manager interview!
