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- Tasks: Drive product strategy and commercial performance 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 20% brand discount.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth while developing your career in merchandising.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising with strong analytical and strategic skills.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 Senior Merchandiser to join our Merchandising team. This is a chance to take ownership of a high-profile department within a fast-moving retail business. You’ll have real influence over product strategy, trading decisions and commercial performance, while working closely with the Buying team as well as our Suppliers & Brand Partners. The role offers strong visibility, leadership responsibility and the opportunity to develop talent, drive innovation and make a measurable impact on business growth. This role will be a 12-month fixed term contract, based out of our central Manchester office.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
As a Senior Merchandiser, you’ll be right at the heart of our business - using data, insight, and commercial instinct to drive sales, maximise profitability, and keep our product game strong. You’ll be a key partner to our Head of Merchandising and Buying teams, ensuring we’ve got the right product, in the right place, at the right time.
- Own and drive the commercial performance and profitability across designated product areas, using data and insight to inform strategy and trading decisions.
- Lead the development of category budgets, option plans and depth of buy aligned to overall business and financial objectives.
- Take accountability for WSSI management, ensuring stock levels are optimised through proactive analysis of sales, intake and future demand.
- Review, challenge and reforecast sales and stock positions in line with performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Provide strategic analysis of best and worst sellers, driving clear actions to maximise opportunities and mitigate risk.
- Lead and recommend promotional activity, markdown strategy and re-buys to support trading performance.
- Take ownership of buying margin and gross profit delivery, ensuring targets are met and protected.
- Drive full potential performance of key and bestselling products through effective stock and trading strategies.
- Partner closely with the Head of Merchandising and Buying teams, providing clear, commercially focused insight to support strategic decision making.
Processes and Department Development
- Champion best practice across merchandising and trading, identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems and ways of working.
- Work in partnership with the Head of Merchandising to shape and deliver department strategy, translating long-term objectives into actionable plans.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance trading performance, efficiency and team capability.
- Lead, coach and develop the merchandising team, driving high performance, strong commercial thinking and career progression.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across Buying and Merchandising, ensuring decisions are driven by clear and accurate data.
- Act as a key link between Merchandising and wider business functions including Studio, VM, Supply Chain and Finance to ensure aligned delivery of business goals.
- Present trading performance, risks and opportunities to senior stakeholders, delivering clear and confident recommendations.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
- Significant experience within Merchandising, across branded and own brand.
- Strong strategic and operational understanding of WSSI, forecasting and trading frameworks.
- Advanced Excel and analytical capability, with strong commercial and numerical acumen.
- Confident decision maker with the ability to balance data, trend and customer insight.
- Strong commercial awareness with a passion for retail.
- Highly organised, detail focused and able to lead effectively within a fast-paced trading environment.
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.
- 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.
Senior Merchandiser FTC in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Merchandiser FTC 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 you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Debenhams' recent changes and strategies. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about the brand's transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your data storytelling skills! As a Senior Merchandiser, you'll need to present insights clearly. Use mock interviews to refine how you communicate your analytical findings and trading strategies.
✨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 joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Merchandiser FTC in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail: When you're writing your application, let your love for retail shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to our transformation journey.
Be Data-Driven: Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Share specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles—this will really catch our eye!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Take the time to tailor your application to the Senior Merchandiser role. Mention key responsibilities from the job description and how your experience matches them—this shows us you’re serious about the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Merchandiser, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on your Excel capabilities and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive sales and profitability in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed stock levels and forecasted sales.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a solid understanding of merchandising strategies. Be prepared to talk about how you've developed category budgets and option plans in the past. Think about how you can align your experience with Debenhams Group's goals and how you can contribute to their transformation journey.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this position. Practice articulating your thoughts on trading performance and how you've presented insights to senior stakeholders. Use clear examples to show how you've influenced decisions through your recommendations.
✨Embrace Change and Innovation
Debenhams Group thrives on change, so highlight your adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges. Share instances where you've driven innovation or improved processes in your previous roles. Show them that you're not just a doer, but also a visionary who can help shape the future of retail.
