M&S starts hiring for 600 jobs at new Lichfield fashion hub, plus 70 at a new food hall

Marks and Spencer has started recruiting for 600 jobs at a new fully automated fashion distribution hub in Lichfield, north of Birmingham, with the first 70 vacancies now open for applications.

The 437,000 sq ft warehouse is expected to be up and running next year, and the retailer says it will recruit for more roles in the coming months as the launch approaches.

What the jobs are

The first wave of 70 vacancies includes management, operational and specialist positions, from planners and team managers to technicians. They are listed on the M&S careers website.

David James, supply chain and logistics director for fashion, home and beauty at M&S, said: "Our new Lichfield hub will mean we can better serve our customers, delivering M&S fashion faster than ever before."

"As we get closer to launch, building the right team is crucial. From planners to team managers and technicians, in our first phase of recruitment we're looking for those who enjoy the fast pace of logistics and are keen to play a role in our exciting transformation journey."

He added: "We'll recruit for more roles in the coming months as we gear up to launch."

Faster deliveries

The hub will add capacity to M&S's existing 24-hour distribution network, letting it move orders from suppliers to distribution centres and on to stores and customers more quickly. It is part of the retailer's aim to double its online sales of fashion, home and beauty.

A new food hall too

M&S is also opening a new 15,800 sq ft food hall in Lichfield, on St John's Grange in Baker Way, next March. It will create a further 70 local jobs, and candidates can register their interest now, with applications for roles including shift leads and customer assistants due to open in the next few weeks.

The market-style shop will include an in-store bakery, a hot chicken counter and fresh produce from M&S Select Farm partners. Lichfield has been without an M&S food shop since the Simply Food store in the Three Spires Shopping Centre closed in January 2019.

Good news after strong results

The recruitment drive comes in the same week that M&S reported a £355 million profit, with its food sales surging, although bosses warned of an "onslaught of costs".

For job seekers in north Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding area, Lichfield is within easy reach by road and by the Cross City rail line, which runs directly from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield. Hundreds of new roles at a single site, with more to follow, is a welcome boost heading into the new year.

Vacancies for both the distribution hub and the new food hall can be found on the M&S careers website.