M&S Lichfield hub opens next year with 600 jobs planned

M&S's new fully automated fashion distribution centre in Lichfield is expected to employ 600 people at full operation. The 437,000 ft² warehouse is due to open next year, and M&S has released its first wave of vacancies.

What roles are M&S recruiting for?

The first phase covers three job families, according to David James, supply chain and logistics director for fashion, home & beauty at M&S.

• Planners
• Team Managers
• Technicians

James said: “Our new Lichfield hub will mean we can better serve our customers, delivering M&S fashion faster than ever before.”

He added: “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.”

What does the new hub change for fulfilment?

For M&S, the immediate commercial gain is added capacity within a distribution network that already operates 24/7. M&S says the hub will help it process and move orders more quickly from suppliers to distribution centres, then onward to stores or directly to customers.

That gives the retailer more handling capacity for two distinct order paths: store replenishment and direct customer fulfilment. The project also supports M&S's plan to double online fashion, home and beauty sales, with supply-chain transformation described as a key part of its reshaping for growth strategy.

No sales baseline or deadline accompanies the doubling target. The disclosed operating markers are the 437,000 ft² footprint, 600 jobs at full operation, next-year opening and integration with the 24/7 network; M&S has not published an order-volume forecast.

The announcement also names no haulier, freight forwarder, transport mode, route or freight rate. For outside carriers and forwarders, that leaves the commercial scale of the project open rather than creating an identifiable contract award. No TEU or tonnage figure is given, and the figures cannot support an estimate of cost per shipment.

M&S identifies automation only at facility level and has not disclosed equipment or supplier details.

What is M&S opening in Lichfield next March?

M&S is also investing in a 15,800 ft² fresh market-style foodhall on St John’s Grange, Baker Way, in Lichfield. The food store is due to open next March, create 70 local jobs and accept candidate registrations now.

It is one of 18 new food stores M&S plans to open this financial year. The chain presents the openings as an expansion of its footprint and a move toward larger-format stores carrying its full product range.

The foodhall adds a second Lichfield commitment, but on the figures provided, it is much smaller than the distribution centre: 15,800 ft² and 70 jobs against 437,000 ft² and 600 jobs. M&S presents the wider programme as footprint expansion and store growth, although only the distribution-centre project includes an online-sales target.

When can logistics suppliers exhibit?

IntraLogisteX will take place on 17-18 March 2027 at the NEC Birmingham. Exhibitor information and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.intralogistex.co.uk.

Capacity is the immediate watchpoint. If M&S opens the 437,000 ft² centre next year, staffs it toward 600 employees and integrates it with the 24/7 network, the hiring drive can translate into the faster supplier-to-store and supplier-to-customer movement promised at Lichfield. The next checkpoint is whether that capacity arrives on schedule and supports the retailer’s stated goal of doubling online fashion, home and beauty sales.