Health and Safety Officers at Marks & Spencer (Food) play a critical role in ensuring that all food operations meet strict health, hygiene, and safety standards. From maintaining cleanliness in food preparation areas to enforcing compliance with UK Health & Safety regulations, these professionals protect both customers and employees. The role involves regular risk assessments, incident reporting, training staff on safety protocols, and cooperating with external auditors and regulatory bodies.
As of 2025, the average salary for a Health & Safety Officer at M&S Food ranges between £30,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on experience and location, with excellent benefits including staff discounts, pension schemes, and progression opportunities.
Top 20 Marks & Spencer (Food) Health & Safety Officer Interview Questions and Expert Answers
1. Why do you want to work as a Health & Safety Officer at Marks & Spencer (Food)?
Answer: I admire M&S’s commitment to high standards in food safety and sustainability. As someone passionate about public health and risk management, I believe this role lets me contribute directly to ensuring customer safety while upholding the brand’s values.
2. What do you understand about the food safety standards followed at M&S?
Answer: M&S follows rigorous food safety protocols including HACCP, allergen management, supplier audits, and employee hygiene practices. They also stay aligned with FSA guidelines and ISO 22000 standards.
3. How do you carry out a risk assessment in a food retail setting?
Answer: I identify potential hazards, evaluate their likelihood and impact, determine existing controls, and recommend further actions. I document the findings and ensure regular review cycles.
4. What would you do if an employee failed to follow safety procedures?
Answer: I would address it promptly with a private conversation, understand the reason behind the non-compliance, re-educate if necessary, and monitor their performance moving forward. Escalation only happens if issues persist.
5. Describe a time you prevented a potential safety incident.
Answer: In my previous role, I noticed condensation pooling near a freezer unit, creating a slip hazard. I arranged an immediate cleanup and maintenance check, and installed anti-slip mats. This averted any workplace accidents.
6. How do you stay up-to-date with health and safety regulations in the UK?
Answer: I subscribe to HSE updates, attend food safety training, follow sector publications, and participate in relevant CPD events.
7. What are the main responsibilities of a Health & Safety Officer in a food environment like M&S?
Answer: Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, ensuring hygiene compliance, staff training, maintaining safety documentation, liaising with authorities, and responding to health emergencies.
8. What does HACCP mean and how is it applied?
Answer: HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. It’s used to identify food safety hazards and establish preventive controls at every stage of the food production and retail process.
9. How would you train new staff on health and safety?
Answer: I use a combination of interactive workshops, real-life scenarios, checklists, and follow-up assessments to ensure thorough understanding and retention.
10. How do you handle pressure in busy environments like M&S food departments?
Answer: I prioritize tasks using a risk-based approach, remain calm, communicate clearly with the team, and ensure ongoing monitoring to adapt swiftly.
11. What are the common foodborne illnesses and how can they be prevented?
Answer: Common ones include Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. They’re prevented through temperature control, proper cooking, hygiene, and cross-contamination prevention.
12. Have you ever had to deal with an Environmental Health Officer inspection?
Answer: Yes, I’ve supported and led inspections, ensuring all documentation is available, and that the site complies with legal standards. My approach is proactive, not reactive.
13. What steps would you take after a workplace accident in a food area?
Answer: Secure the area, provide first aid, log the incident, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
14. How do you ensure allergens are properly managed on-site?
Answer: I ensure clear labeling, prevent cross-contact, train staff on allergen handling, and conduct regular spot checks.
15. What PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is necessary in a food retail environment?
Answer: Hairnets, gloves, non-slip shoes, aprons, and masks where appropriate—depending on the task and hygiene requirements.
16. Describe a challenge you faced in a health and safety role and how you resolved it.
Answer: Staff compliance with hygiene rules dropped during a particularly busy period. I reintroduced short shift-briefings and incentivized good practices, which quickly restored standards.
17. How do you handle complaints about safety or cleanliness from customers?
Answer: I listen attentively, thank them for their feedback, investigate the concern, and take immediate action if necessary—followed by communication and reassurance to the customer.
18. What is your approach to continuous improvement in health and safety?
Answer: I use audit data and feedback to identify trends, implement better training, and refine processes for efficiency and safety.
19. How do you maintain documentation and compliance records?
Answer: I use digital systems for tracking incidents, audits, and training logs, ensuring data is organized, secure, and readily accessible during inspections.
20. What qualities make you the best candidate for this role at M&S Food?
Answer: I combine hands-on experience, a deep understanding of food safety, strong communication skills, and a passion for creating safe, compliant work environments that align with M&S’s reputation.
Final Interview Coaching Tips for Marks & Spencer (Food) Health & Safety Officer Applicants
Preparing for this role means demonstrating your expertise, attention to detail, and leadership under pressure. Here are some bonus tips to boost your confidence:
Research M&S’s current food safety initiatives to show you’re aligned with their values.
Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Stay calm and confident—this role requires clarity and assurance under stress.
Practice mock interviews with a friend or mentor to sharpen your delivery.
Dress professionally, even if it’s a video interview.
Above all, remember: M&S is not just hiring qualifications—they’re hiring people who care about customer safety and uphold brand integrity. Bring your passion, precision, and problem-solving mindset to the interview, and you’ll stand out.
