A Food Hall Team Leader at Marks & Spencer plays a critical role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the store’s fresh food departments. From motivating the team to maintaining food quality and delivering excellent customer service, this leadership position is at the heart of M&S’s reputation for premium retail standards. Team Leaders also ensure compliance with food safety, oversee replenishment, and work closely with managers to meet performance targets.
As of 2025, the average salary for a Food Hall Team Leader at Marks & Spencer in the UK typically ranges from £24,000 to £28,000 per annum, depending on experience and store location, with additional perks like staff discounts, performance bonuses, and career progression opportunities. Preparing for this role means being ready to demonstrate your leadership skills, customer focus, and deep understanding of food retail.
Top 20 Marks & Spencer (Food) Food Hall Team Leader Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell us about yourself.
This is your chance to give a brief career summary. Focus on experience in retail, customer service, and any team leadership responsibilities.
Answer Example:
“I have over five years of experience in retail, including two years as an assistant supervisor at a grocery chain. I thrive in fast-paced environments and love developing people and ensuring customers receive excellent service.”
2. Why do you want to work for Marks & Spencer?
Show passion for the brand and awareness of their values.
Answer Example:
“I admire M&S’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. It’s a brand with heritage and a forward-thinking mindset, which aligns with my own values in customer service and leadership.”
3. What does excellent customer service mean to you?
Define great service in a food retail setting.
Answer Example:
“It means exceeding expectations by being friendly, responsive, and proactive — ensuring shelves are stocked, queries are handled quickly, and each customer leaves happy.”
4. Describe a time you handled a difficult customer.
Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format.
Answer Example:
“A customer was upset about a sold-out item. I apologized, offered to check nearby stores, and provided a voucher. They appreciated the effort and left satisfied.”
5. How would you motivate a team during a busy period like Christmas?
Discuss communication and recognition.
Answer Example:
“I’d keep morale high with clear communication, encourage team spirit, and recognize great work through small rewards or shout-outs.”
6. What’s your approach to handling underperformance?
Show empathy, accountability, and problem-solving.
Answer Example:
“I’d have a one-to-one chat to understand any issues, set achievable goals, and support them with coaching or training.”
7. How do you ensure food safety and hygiene in a store?
Highlight compliance knowledge.
Answer Example:
“I follow strict hygiene procedures, ensure temperature checks, and make sure all staff are trained and adhere to standards set by the Food Standards Agency and M&S.”
8. Describe a time you improved a process or system.
Show innovation and leadership.
Answer Example:
“I streamlined stock rotation by implementing a team-led checking schedule, reducing waste by 15%.”
9. How do you prioritize tasks during a busy shift?
Demonstrate decision-making and organization.
Answer Example:
“I assess urgency and impact — customer needs come first, followed by stock, team support, and back-office duties.”
10. What would you do if a team member consistently arrived late?
Show fairness and professionalism.
Answer Example:
“I’d have a private conversation to understand the cause, remind them of expectations, and track improvement.”
11. What leadership style do you use?
Mention adaptable leadership with real examples.
Answer Example:
“I’m a supportive and hands-on leader who listens, leads by example, and adjusts my style depending on the team and situation.”
12. What’s your knowledge of M&S food and ethical sourcing?
Demonstrate research.
Answer Example:
“M&S focuses on responsibly sourced products through Plan A, supporting sustainability, British farming, and eco-friendly packaging.”
13. How would you respond to an emergency, like a refrigeration failure?
Talk about staying calm and following protocols.
Answer Example:
“I’d immediately alert management, isolate affected stock, ensure signage is up, and document actions per food safety standards.”
14. How do you handle multiple demands at once?
Highlight time management.
Answer Example:
“I break tasks into urgent vs. important, delegate where appropriate, and stay calm under pressure.”
15. What does ‘putting the customer first’ mean in food retail?
Emphasize service mindset.
Answer Example:
“Ensuring the customer experience is smooth — from clean displays to helpful staff and quick checkouts.”
16. How do you maintain product availability and quality?
Mention stock checks, forecasting, and rotation.
Answer Example:
“Through daily checks, fast replenishment, stock rotation, and collaboration with supply teams.”
17. Describe a time you successfully led a team.
Use STAR again.
Answer Example:
“I led a team during a product launch weekend. I briefed the team, scheduled rotations, and ensured everyone was engaged — we hit 120% of sales targets.”
18. What would you do if a customer complained about food quality?
Stay professional and empathetic.
Answer Example:
“I’d listen carefully, apologize, offer a replacement or refund, and escalate if needed for food safety investigation.”
19. How do you train new team members?
Show coaching and structure.
Answer Example:
“I pair them with experienced team members, use step-by-step shadowing, and check in daily to ensure confidence.”
20. Why should we hire you for the Food Hall Team Leader role?
Sell yourself confidently.
Answer Example:
“I bring proven team leadership, strong retail knowledge, and a passion for food and service — I’m ready to lead by example and support M&S’s mission every day.”
Final Coaching Tips to Succeed in Your M&S Interview
Know the Brand: Learn about M&S’s core values, recent campaigns, and Plan A sustainability strategy.
Practice STAR Responses: Most questions will look for structured answers based on your real-life experience.
Dress Smart, Act Professional: Even in video interviews, first impressions matter.
Ask Smart Questions: Inquire about training, team culture, or store goals — it shows interest and initiative.
Stay Positive: Confidence, eye contact, and a can-do attitude can go a long way.
Preparing for an interview at Marks & Spencer is your opportunity to shine as a professional who thrives on quality, teamwork, and leadership. Believe in your potential — and go in ready to own it!
