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- Tasks: Support product teams with trading analysis and decision-making in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join the innovative Debenhams Group, transforming the retail landscape.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, private medical cover, gym access, and discounts across all brands.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving change and shaping the future of retail.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, merchandising, and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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.
- Drive summaries and suggested actions to product teams based on trading analysis.
- Support the Head of Commercial Planning and wider product team in obtaining reporting that enables efficient analysis for trading; effectively engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with product strategies.
- Use data‑driven insights to identify opportunities to increase operational efficiencies through process enhancements, technical solutions, and automation.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and implementing process enhancements.
- Understand the end‑to‑end processes within the product lifecycle to enable a holistic all‑brand approach to decision making.
- 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.
- Manage key relationships with external business partners, including but not limited to AI integration solutions, WSSI software and end‑of‑life product jobber suppliers.
- Stay updated on market performance, industry best practices and emerging trends in product management and operations.
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.
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
Commercial Planning Assistant in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Planning Assistant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Debenhams Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the role of Commercial Planning Assistant. Brush up on your knowledge of buying and merchandising practices, and be ready to discuss how you can use data-driven insights to drive operational efficiencies.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've used data to make decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate that you can hit the ground running and contribute to the team right away.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Debenhams Group family.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Planning Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Analytical Skills: Make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. We want to see how you interpret data and make decisions based on it, especially since this role involves trading analysis and identifying trends.
Communicate Clearly: Since effective communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to articulate issues and solutions clearly. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically.
Demonstrate Your Commercial Mindset: We’re looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset. In your application, share examples of how you've supported product teams or made decisions that positively impacted sales and stock efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Debenhams Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Planning Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to sales and stock efficiency, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your ability to articulate complex issues clearly and propose actionable solutions.
✨Understand the Product Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end product lifecycle. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to each stage, from forecasting to trading analysis, and how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
✨Embrace Change and Innovation
Debenhams Group values adaptability and innovation. Think of instances where you've thrived in fast-paced environments or led initiatives that improved processes. Show them you're ready to embrace change and contribute to their transformation journey.