The role of a Transport Coordinator at Marks & Spencer (Food Division) is pivotal in maintaining the efficiency, reliability, and integrity of the food supply chain. As a trusted British retailer known for quality and sustainability, M&S relies heavily on seamless transportation to ensure fresh products reach stores and customers on time. The Transport Coordinator bridges logistics, warehousing, and store operations, ensuring every delivery aligns with company standards and sustainability goals.
Job Description: A Transport Coordinator at M&S (Food) is responsible for planning delivery routes, monitoring transport performance, liaising with hauliers, ensuring legal compliance (such as driver hours and vehicle checks), handling unforeseen logistics challenges, and maintaining accurate delivery records. Strong communication, multitasking, and a detail-oriented mindset are essential.
Salary Insight (2025): The average salary for a Transport Coordinator at Marks & Spencer ranges between £27,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and performance bonuses. Some roles may offer additional benefits like staff discounts, pension contributions, and career development programs.
Top 20 Interview Questions and Sample Answers for Marks & Spencer (Food) Transport Coordinator
1. Can you explain your understanding of the Transport Coordinator role at M&S Food?
The role is about overseeing daily food transport operations, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries from distribution centers to stores while maintaining compliance with health, safety, and transport laws.
2. What experience do you have in logistics or transportation coordination?
I’ve worked for over 3 years in FMCG logistics, managing route planning, vehicle scheduling, and liaising with both drivers and depot managers to minimize delivery delays.
3. How do you handle unexpected delays or disruptions in the delivery schedule?
I stay calm, assess the root cause, communicate promptly with stakeholders, reroute deliveries if needed, and document the issue for future improvements.
4. What transport management systems (TMS) are you familiar with?
I’ve used Paragon for route optimization and SAP for tracking logistics KPIs. I can quickly adapt to proprietary systems like those M&S might use.
5. How would you ensure food safety and freshness during transport?
By ensuring vehicles meet temperature control standards, regular checks on refrigerated units, and training drivers on food safety regulations.
6. How do you prioritize multiple transport requests or urgent changes?
I assess based on delivery deadlines, perishability of goods, and cost efficiency. Critical loads always get priority with clear communication to other departments.
7. Tell us about a time you improved a transport process.
At my last job, I implemented route optimization software that cut delivery times by 12% and reduced fuel usage, contributing to our sustainability targets.
8. How do you monitor vehicle and driver compliance?
Through regular audits, telematics systems, tachograph analysis, and up-to-date driver training records.
9. What would you do if a delivery vehicle broke down en route?
I’d dispatch a replacement, notify the destination, reroute nearby vehicles if needed, and log the incident for maintenance and future prevention.
10. How do you communicate with drivers and warehouse staff during your shift?
I use a mix of handheld communication devices, scheduling dashboards, and daily briefings to ensure clarity and transparency.
11. How do you stay current with UK transport legislation?
I subscribe to logistics publications, attend webinars, and take CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions whenever possible.
12. Why do you want to work for Marks & Spencer in particular?
M&S’s commitment to sustainability, premium food quality, and its strong ethical practices align with my values and professional goals.
13. Describe a typical day in a transport coordination role you’ve held.
It included reviewing route plans, responding to delivery issues, checking compliance logs, updating the TMS, and coordinating with stores and depots.
14. How would you manage a conflict between a driver and warehouse team?
I’d facilitate a private discussion to understand both sides, mediate respectfully, and propose a resolution based on company policy.
15. How do you ensure sustainability in transport logistics?
By planning fuel-efficient routes, consolidating loads, using electric or eco-friendly vehicles, and reducing idle times.
16. Have you worked with KPIs? Which ones are key in transport coordination?
Yes—On-Time Delivery (OTD), Cost per Mile, Vehicle Utilization Rate, and Load Fill Percentage are crucial in my experience.
17. How do you ensure data accuracy in transport documentation?
I double-check entries, use automated systems where possible, and train staff on documentation standards.
18. How do you handle pressure during peak retail seasons?
With solid planning, cross-team collaboration, contingency options, and a focus on maintaining composure under tight timelines.
19. What strengths would you bring to the M&S team?
I offer logistics expertise, analytical thinking, proactive problem-solving, and a collaborative approach that fits M&S’s values.
20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I aim to grow within M&S into a logistics manager role, contributing to strategic decisions and mentoring new coordinators.
Final Thoughts: Interview Coaching and Encouragement
Interviewing for a Transport Coordinator role at Marks & Spencer (Food) is a valuable opportunity to showcase your ability to drive efficiency in a fast-paced, high-standard environment. Preparation is key: study the brand’s mission, focus on your logistics achievements, and tailor your answers to align with M&S’s operational excellence and sustainability goals.
Top Interview Tips:
Research M&S: Understand its food logistics operations, sustainability initiatives, and customer service values.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
Prepare examples that highlight adaptability, leadership, and logistical innovation.
Ask smart questions at the end about M&S’s logistics tech, team dynamics, or career progression.
Dress professionally, arrive early, and bring a positive, solutions-driven mindset.
With preparation, passion, and a clear focus on efficiency and service, you’ll leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing the role. Good luck—you’ve got this!
