Marks and Spencer
Software Engineering Manager – Distributed Systems (Foods)
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Software Engineering Manager – Distributed Systems (Foods)
Software Engineering Manager – M&S Software Engineering
We are seeking a passionate Software Engineering Manager to lead one or more product teams in supporting and modernising M&S Foods’ operations. Join a well-loved historic brand, redefining itself into a digital-first, engineering-led organisation, where ethical values and technical excellence drive success.
With a focus on empowered, self-managing, multi-disciplinary teams, you’ll design, build, maintain, and release innovative products while shaping a best-in-class engineering culture. This role centres on collaboration, clarity, and continuous improvement, embedding high standards in delivery, architecture, and team health.
About the Role
M&S Software Engineering is modernising the platforms that power critical functions such as:
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Product Data & New Product Development
- Core platform managing product information from concept to launch.
- Simplifying legacy systems and building a reliable, event-driven product data platform integrating supply chain, packaging, and commercial systems.
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Price & Promotion Execution
- Modernising workflows reliant on legacy systems and manual processes.
- Transitioning to automated, event-driven platforms for accuracy, speed, and visibility.
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Partner & Franchise Integration Platform
- Building and operating an integration platform for M&S Foods’ UK franchise and international partners.
- Evolving legacy integrations into scalable, API-led, and event-driven services to improve data consistency and real-time visibility.
Exploratory focus includes AI-assisted engineering workflows and enhanced operational insights.
What You’ll Do
Your responsibilities include:
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Team Leadership
- Build and nurture high-performing engineering teams.
- Coach, mentor, and support engineer growth through clear development plans.
- Foster an environment where colleagues can thrive.
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Ownership of Delivery
- Align with Product Managers and Delivery Leads to create realistic plans.
- Ensure high-quality outcomes are delivered at a sustainable pace.
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Team Health & Culture
- Remove blockers, clarify priorities, and optimise collaborative workflows.
- Partner with Principal and Staff Engineers to shape technical direction.
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Technology & Improvement
- Drive engineering excellence in areas like testing, CI/CD, observability, and system reliability.
- Continuously evolve team processes, using data and feedback.
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Stakeholder Collaboration
- Strengthen relationships with business and product leaders to ensure alignment and clarity.
- Advocate for engineer wellbeing, efficiency, and productivity.
Key Platform Areas
Your team may specialise in:
| Domain | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Product Data | Modernising fragmented legacy systems into an event-driven product data platform. |
| Price & Promotion | Automating manual workflows into real-time, distributed systems. |
| Partner Integrations | Upgrading legacy integrations into API-led, event-driven cloud solutions for franchises and partners. |
| AI & Productivity | Leveraging AI tools for engineering workflows, monitoring, and developer assistance. |
What We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for leaders who:
- Excel in building and guiding engineering teams.
- Thrive in product-owned, collaborative environments.
- Have experience with legacy system transformation and modular architecture (e.g., APIs, event-driven design).
- Align cross-functional delivery priority and technical scope.
- Ensure engineering excellence through sustainable practices.
- Adapt to varied stakeholder needs.
Experience in the following is valuable: ✔ Leading software development teams. ✔ Leading teams in a product-oriented or digital-first enterprise. ✔ Working with distributed/cloud systems, such as Kubernetes, microservices, or event streams. ✔ Integrating or modernising legacy legacy tech stacks (e.g., Java/React) into modern systems. ✔ Driving Technology Excellence Communities (TECs) or mentoring engineers to Staff Engineer level.
Your experience may combine these areas, or they may be younger than your tenure. Variety is welcome—flexibility is key.
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Technology We Use
| Category | Technology |
|---|---|
| Backend | Java, REST/GraphQL APIs, Kafka, Microsoft Azure, Docker/Kubernetes |
| Database | MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, SaaS-based tools |
| Frontend | Angular, React |
| DevOps | GitHub Actions, CI/CD pipelines, Dynatrace (observability) |
| AI/ML | Microsoft Copilot, AI-driven developer tools |
All the Details
The M&S Foods business relies heavily on these evolving platforms, serving:
- Thousands of internal users and suppliers.
- Integrated supply chain, packaging, and commercial operations.
This is a chance to shape modern retail tech, where high-trust teams solve complex problems.
What We Can Offer
This 20% colleague discount is available for all products and many third-party brands.
Work-Life Balance
- Generous holiday allowance (with extra buy options)
- Discretionary performance-related bonus scheme
- Market-leading parental policies (adoption, leave, financial wellness)
- One paid volunteer day per year
- Strong pension and life insurance benefits
Wellbeing
- 24/7 GP access and mental health support services
- Discursive HR policies (always watchful for access to further adjustments or support)
Learning & Growth
- Tailored onboarding and ongoing training programs.
- M&S Choices portal, offering perks and savings.
Mission-Driven
A combined strength arises from an inclusive ambition towards a more conscientious digital future.
We’re opening doors at M&S—we encourage everyone to explore roles and contribute to transformative impact while elevating wellbeing.
Everyone’s Welcome
M&S is resolute about building a diverse, representative workforce. We foster an open culture that celebrates difficult yet necessary change.
Our organisations thrive when allies work together to support each other. You’ll be part of a team building an enduring retail legacy.
If adjustments or support at any stage of recruitment Feel free to contact us during your application.
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