At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trading strategies for Home, Beauty, and Fashion categories in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Debenhams, Britain's leading online department store with a rich history since 1778.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, up to 40% discount, and a vibrant social calendar.
- Why this job: Be part of a digital-first brand that values innovation and customer experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in Trading or Ecommerce, strong analytical skills, and a passion for retail.
- Other info: Work in a fun, dog-friendly atmosphere with global offices and a supportive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
You know all about our high street roots and bricks and mortar stores. Now, we’re looking to the future. Since 2021, we’ve embraced some changes. Debenhams hasn’t made a comeback - we’ve been here since 1778, evolving and adapting to the times. This is Debenhams today - Britain’s Leading Online Department Store. We are more than a department store - we are an institution. From creating the blueprint for designer collaborations with designers at Debenhams, to launching countless brands and inventing the beauty counter, we’ve consistently shaped the retail landscape. We don’t underestimate the power of our brand or the place we hold in people’s hearts. This is only the beginning of the next chapter for Debenhams. Britain needs Debenhams.....Debenhams needs you!
Your Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Trading Manager to drive commercial performance across our Home, Beauty, and Fashion categories. This is a key role within the Commercial Trading team, reporting to the Head of Trading, and responsible for owning the trading calendar, driving conversion, and optimising performance across all digital channels. Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, the Trading Manager will be instrumental in supporting the P&L and delivering against ambitious growth targets.
What you’ll be doing?
- In this pivotal role, you’ll own and execute our dynamic trading calendar - aligning unmissable promotional moments with peak periods, seasonal campaigns, and trend-led events.
- You’ll be the powerhouse behind cross-functional trading plans that put the customer at the heart of everything we do.
- You will get the chance to collaborate with each business unit as well as Marketing, Merchandising, Digital Marketing, CRM, Ecommerce and UX teams to ensure cohesive, customer-first trading plans whilst analysing performance data daily and weekly to identify trading opportunities, risks, and actions required to drive sales, conversion, and margin.
- You will take charge in supporting the delivery of campaign and event planning across all channels, ensuring consistency and commercial focus whilst monitoring competitor activity and respond with proactive trading strategies to maximise performance.
- You will be working alongside the ecommerce teams to provide prioritisation of key moments to ensure we’re always exceeding expectation for product visibility, promoting a culture of commercial curiosity, agility, and accountability.
What Value you can bring
- Proven experience in a Trading, Ecommerce, or Commercial role within a fast-paced retail environment.
- Strong understanding of multi-channel trading, online customer behaviour, and digital KPIs.
- Category experience in Home, Beauty, or Fashion is highly advantageous.
- Commercially driven with strong analytical skills and a track record of trading success.
- Comfortable working with performance data and confident in drawing insights and turning them into action.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, able to collaborate effectively across departments.
- Highly organised and capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Working with us
We’re not just a retailer—we’re a digital-first destination that’s redefining modern retail. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment and want to play a key role in a brand that customers love, this is your opportunity to make your mark. You’ll get the opportunity to take part in our various share schemes. Core hours enable you to flex your working times around your needs on an ad hoc basis. Benefits that support your health and wellbeing. There’s up to 40% discount off our all of our brands. Our social calendar? Next level. With HQs in Manchester and London and offices across the globe (some are dog friendly!), we offer a buzzing atmosphere and the boohoo family culture wherever you work.
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Debenhams' brand history and recent changes. Understanding our evolution from a high street store to a leading online department store will help you articulate how your experience aligns with our vision for the future.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your knowledge of multi-channel trading and online customer behaviour. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully driven sales and conversion in previous roles, particularly in the Home, Beauty, or Fashion categories.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your analytical skills by preparing to discuss how you've used performance data to identify trading opportunities and risks. Being able to demonstrate your ability to turn insights into actionable strategies will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your collaboration skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked cross-functionally with teams like Marketing, Merchandising, and Ecommerce to create cohesive trading plans that prioritise the customer experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trading Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in trading, ecommerce, or commercial roles within a retail environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in multi-channel trading and your understanding of online customer behaviour. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and any successful trading strategies you've implemented.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your strong communication and influencing skills. Mention instances where you've collaborated effectively across departments, as this is crucial for the role. Highlight your ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the brand and the retail industry. Discuss how you can contribute to Debenhams' future and align with their customer-first approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trading Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the role, such as conversion rates and sales figures. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive trading success in previous roles.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Debenhams' history and its evolution into a leading online department store. Show your passion for the brand and articulate how you can contribute to its future growth, especially in the Home, Beauty, and Fashion categories.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Highlight your experience working cross-functionally with teams like Marketing, Merchandising, and Ecommerce. Prepare examples of successful collaborations that led to improved trading outcomes, showcasing your ability to put the customer at the heart of your strategies.
✨Stay Ahead of Competitors
Research current trends in the retail industry and be ready to discuss how you would monitor competitor activity. Present proactive trading strategies you've implemented in the past to maximise performance and respond to market changes effectively.