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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and performance for a dynamic retail brand.
- Company: Join the innovative Debenhams Group, where change and growth are part of our DNA.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, private medical cover, and access to fitness classes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Finance qualification with strong commercial experience in retail or e-commerce.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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.
Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and retail sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their brand strategy, recent performance, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate how your skills and experience align with the role of Head of Commercial Finance. Focus on your commercial finance background and how you can contribute to their growth and success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, go ahead and make that move!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial finance, especially within retail or e-commerce. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Commercial Finance, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and ability to influence senior stakeholders. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact – we love a good success story!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for commercially curious individuals who can challenge the status quo. Don’t be afraid to show us your passion for finance and retail – it’s what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Commercial Finance, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key metrics related to P&L management, cash flow cycles, and budgeting processes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in past roles.
✨Understand the Business Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the retail and e-commerce landscape, especially the dynamics of trading performance. Research the company’s recent financial reports and market position so you can speak confidently about their challenges and opportunities during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires strong collaboration with senior leadership. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decision-making in previous positions. Think about times when you’ve partnered with other departments like Marketing or Product to drive financial success.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Since you'll be involved in shaping brand strategy, come prepared with insights on strategic planning and forecasting. Think about how you would approach the annual budget process and be ready to share your vision for future growth opportunities.
