Commercial Planning Assistant
THE ROLE
At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.
We are looking to hire an experienced Commercial Planning Assistant working across all brands to support the product teams and Head of Commercial Planning with trading analysis and decisions, supporting the end-to-end product lifecycle, being the expert in all our product facing systems, as well as managing the integration of key AI packages within the product systems.
This role will be based out of our central Manchester office.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, this role requires a blend of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and strong communication skills to effectively manage expectations and challenges at all levels and articulate issues and solutions with clarity.
Key Responsibilities:
- To support the Head of Commercial Planning with the forecasting and measuring of sales and stock efficiency against Company trading KPIs, identifying trends, seeking opportunities, and highlighting risk to the business.
- To drive summaries and suggested actions to product teams based on trading analysis.
- To support the Head of Commercial Planning and wider product team in obtaining reporting that enables efficient analysis for trading. To effectively engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with product strategies.
- To use data-driven insights to identify opportunities to increase operational efficiencies through process enhancements, technical solutions, and automation.
- To foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and implementing process enhancements.
- To understand the end-to-end processes within the product lifecycle to enable an holistic all-brand approach to decision making.
- To work collaboratively with departments across the business to ensure our product teams are equally and fairly represented when best practice and operational change is being implemented.
- To manage key relationships with external business partners, including but not limited to AI integration solutions, WSSI software and end-of-life product jobber suppliers.
- To stay updated on market performance, industry best practices and emerging trends in product management and operations.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Extensive knowledge of buying and merchandising practices and a commercial mindset.
- Strong knowledge of how the product team and wider business use the WSSI – preferably with experience using Oracle MFP.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
- The ability to think critically and develop strategic plans to meet business goals.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of customers.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and business needs in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, including leading a team and driving initiatives.
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
WHY JOIN US
Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception.
2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.
Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
- Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes
- Discount across all brands
- Comprehensive wellbeing package
- Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations)
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
- On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks
- Free season ticket loan
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