Head of Commercial Finance
We have a new opportunity for a Head of Finance to lead all aspects of commercial finance for one of the Debenhams Group brands. This is a highly visible, influential role, partnering closely with the Brand CEO and senior leaders across Trading, Product and Marketing to drive performance, growth and profitability.
You’ll be responsible for providing clear financial leadership across trading and operations, combining strong financial control with forward-looking commercial insight. Acting as a trusted advisor, you’ll challenge performance, shape strategy and help unlock growth opportunities across own-brand, marketplace and category revenue streams
What you’ll be doing
Commercial leadership & performance
- Own and manage the brand P&L, balancing robust financial control with commercial agility and growth
- Act as a trusted business partner to the Brand CEO and senior leadership team, providing insight, challenge and support
- Lead financial understanding of trading and operational performance, identifying risks and opportunities
Trading & insight
- Partner closely with Trading, Product and Marketing teams to understand real-time trade performance
- Deliver daily, weekly and ad-hoc financial reporting to support fast-paced commercial decision-making
- Work with Finance BI and Analytics teams to deliver deep commercial insight and analysis to support growth
Strategy & planning
- Lead the annual budget, quarterly forecasting and long-term planning processes for the brand
- Play a key role in shaping brand strategy, including preparation and presentation of strategic plans to the Group Board
- Appraise future growth opportunities across own-brand, beauty and marketplace revenue streams
Cost & cash management
- Partner with Group Finance functions to manage both direct and indirect costs, including headcount, supply chain and technology
- Work closely with the Treasury team to understand and manage marketplace and wholesale balances
- Develop strong understanding of working capital cycles, provisioning and cash impacts
Reporting & governance
- Ensure trade reporting aligns with management accounts and statutory reporting
- Partner with Financial Accounting to maintain consistency, accuracy and transparency in reporting
- Drive improvements in reporting automation and data quality
Group collaboration
- As part of the wider Group Finance leadership team, share insight and best practice across brands
- Contribute to cross-brand business cases and initiatives that benefit both the brand and the wider Group
About you
Essential experience & skills
- A high number of years of finance experience with a recognised qualification (ACA, CIMA or ACCA)
- Strong commercial finance background within retail, e-commerce or a fast-paced consumer environment
- Proven experience partnering with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making
- Excellent understanding of accounting principles, tax and financial controls
- Strong systems capability, including accounting software, BI tools and reporting automation
- Advanced Excel skills and a highly analytical mindset
Personal attributes
- Commercially curious, with a strong understanding of retail trading dynamics
- Confident communicator, able to challenge and influence at a senior level
- Hands-on, adaptable and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment
- Collaborative team player with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
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 embrace the unknown, thrive in a fast-moving, high-growth environment and want to shape the future of retail, you’ll feel right at home here.
We’re looking for 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
- 20% 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