At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance, manage brand P&L, and drive strategic growth.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a dynamic leader in retail innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, private medical cover, gym access, and discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Finance qualification and strong commercial finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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 boohooMAN in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
At Karen Millen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Buying Admin Assistant, you'll benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, allowing you to grow your career in the fashion industry while working in a vibrant location. Our commitment to employee well-being and collaboration ensures that you will thrive in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance boohooMAN in Manchester
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
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✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
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✨Utilise Company Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance boohooMAN in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Debenhams Group, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with Debenhams Group's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at Debenhams Group. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that Debenhams Group uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
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Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at Debenhams Group. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
