Shift Lead - Food - Braintree Simply Food

Team: In Store
Store: Braintree Simply Food
Location: Braintree, Essex
Position type: Full Time
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £14.47 p/h + £3.00 p/h unsocial premium; Closing date: 10th October 2026

How We Hire

Everyone is welcome at M&S. No exceptions. It’s your background, abilities and differences that make you, uniquely you. And when you’re part of M&S, that individuality has the potential to make waves.

About the role

This section tells you all you need to know about the position and its responsibilities, outlining everything we hope to see in a successful candidate.

Summary

Team Support Manager

All the details

Work Pattern
Week 1
Sunday: 12:00-20:00
Monday: 14:00-22:00
Wednesday: 04:00-12:00
Thursday: 14:00-22:00
Friday: 14:00-22:00

Week 2
Monday: 09:00-17:00
Tuesday: 14:00-22:00
Wednesday: 10:00-18:00
Friday: 04:00-12:00
Saturday: 14:00-22:00

Under 18 disclaimer
To comply with health and safety legislation and keep our colleagues safe in the workplace, colleagues in this role must be 18 years of age or older.

Please note that the + £3.00 p/h unsocial premium is only added on any hours worked between 22:00-06:00.

Join M&S as a Shift Lead where you’ll play a vital role in delivering great service while supporting the smooth running of the store during key trading and operational hours.
This isn’t just a retail job, it’s a role for people who love pace, take pride in getting things done, and are ready to step up and support the team when it matters most. You’ll combine hands-on delivery with leadership responsibility, helping to keep the store moving and ready to trade.
We’re looking for confident, proactive individuals who lead by example, support their colleagues and bring energy to every shift. You’ll be a trusted go-to on the shop floor, helping to coordinate activity and keep standards high.
• At M&S, our customers don’t wait. You’ll be operating in a high-demand environment, stepping in to lead the floor when needed and ensuring customers receive fast, efficient service.
• You’ll lead by doing. Whether it’s serving customers, filling stock or supporting at the tills, you’ll stay hands-on while helping guide the team through busy periods.
• You’ll support the flow of the day. From coordinating tasks to helping allocate resource, you’ll make sure the right things happen at the right time to keep the store ready to trade.
• Efficiency and effectiveness are non-negotiable. You’ll help maintain high standards across the shop floor, ensuring it’s clean, safe, well-stocked and easy to shop.
• You’ll be a role model for the team. Supporting colleagues, sharing best practice and helping create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can perform at their best.
• Being digitally confident is essential. You’ll use store systems and tools to support operations and help the team deliver great results.
• Flexibility is vital. Retail moves fast and you’ll move faster. From opening and closing tasks to supporting across different areas, you’ll adapt to what the business needs.
This is a role for people who are ready to step up, take ownership and support their team to deliver at their best.
This is where great service meets real responsibility.
Ready to take the next step? Take Your Marks and apply today.

Meet the Team

Our Support

Mentorship

It’s important to us that our new colleagues feel supported in their roles and can learn from each other. That’s why we offer mentorship through our buddy system.

Flexible working

We’re a 24/7 business and our working patterns adapt to our customers’ needs. Worklife is our flexible working policy that gives colleagues the option for part-time working, a 4-day compressed week, or to job share if it’s in the best interests of everyone.

Benefits

Wellbeing hub

Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back

Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Pay

Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount

After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.

Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
Time off

Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance

Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings

We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices

Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work

Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech

Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.

Colleague Networks

We want you to feel supported, no matter what.

Family & Carers Network

A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.

Menopause Network

Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.

Gender Equality Network

Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Health and Wellbeing Network

Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.

Culture and Heritage Network

Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.

Cancer Network

Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.

Forces Community Network

Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.

LGBTQ+ Network

Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.

How to Apply

Here’s what to expect at each stage of the application process. This can change depending on the role you’ve applied to. If you need any reasonable adjustments made at any stage, let us know and we can help.

Send us your application

Fill in our short application form and hit submit.

Online assessment

We’ll invite you to take part in an online assessment. This could be before or after your interview.

In-person assessment centre

We’ll invite you to an in-person assessment centre or an interview. This process may differ depending on the role you’ve applied to.

Decision

After we’ve decided, we’ll be in touch. If you’ve been successful, we’ll officially invite you to join the team and let you know the next steps.