Marks & Spencer has opened recruitment for its new automated fashion distribution centre in Lichfield, with more than 70 vacancies available in the first phase of a programme expected to create 600 jobs when the facility becomes fully operational.
The 437,000 sq ft warehouse is scheduled to open in 2027 and will become part of M&S’s existing 24-hour distribution network. The first vacancies cover management, operational and specialist positions, including planners, team managers and technicians.
Further roles will become available as preparations for the opening progress. The initial recruitment campaign is focused on establishing the workforce needed to commission and operate the facility, with the full anticipated employment complement associated with the site’s later operational capacity.
M&S intends to use the centre to process fashion, home and beauty orders more quickly, increasing the capacity available to move products from suppliers through its distribution network and onwards to stores or directly to customers.
The investment forms part of the retailer’s strategy to double online Fashion, Home and Beauty sales over the longer term. Expanding distribution capacity is central to that ambition because product availability, processing speed and the ability to fulfil orders influence how effectively the online business can grow.
In May, M&S announced a conditional agreement to acquire the fitted-out warehouse from ASOS for £67.5m. The site already contained substantial automated infrastructure, allowing the retailer to pursue expansion using an existing logistics facility rather than building an equivalent operation from the ground up.
The retailer said the acquisition represented a more cost-effective route to increasing capacity than developing a new warehouse. Its transformation programme is intended to improve the availability of sizes and styles, shorten the movement of products through the network and allow customers to place orders later in the day.
Automated distribution operations combine equipment-based handling with human supervision, maintenance and operational planning. The initial vacancies include technical and management positions, reflecting the requirements involved in operating complex logistics infrastructure as well as handling products.
David James, supply chain and logistics director for Fashion, Home & Beauty at M&S, said: “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.”
The Lichfield development adds a further investment to the retailer’s presence in Staffordshire. Separately, M&S is preparing to open a 15,800 sq ft foodhall at St John’s Grange on Baker Way in March 2027, creating another 70 local jobs.
Recruitment for the food store will cover positions including shift leaders and customer assistants, with applications due to open over the coming weeks. The store will include an in-store bakery, fresh produce and a broader range of food products in the retailer’s larger foodhall format.
The Lichfield foodhall is one of 18 new food stores M&S plans to open during the financial year. Unlike the distribution centre, which will support a nationwide fashion and home supply chain, the new store will serve customers directly in the local retail market.
Both projects are scheduled to become operational in 2027, with separate recruitment programmes. The distribution centre’s first 70-plus vacancies are available now, while additional logistics and retail positions will be advertised as the two developments approach their opening dates.
You must be logged in to post a comment.