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- Tasks: Support product teams with trading analysis and decision-making in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a brand on a transformative journey.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, private medical cover, gym access, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of retail with innovative strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, merchandising, and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Embrace change and thrive in a culture that values fresh thinking and individual differences.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 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.
What You’ll Be Doing
- 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.
What We Look For – 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Assistant Commercial Planner in Manchester employer: Debenhams
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commercial Planner 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 their recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about effective communication, we suggest doing mock interviews with friends or family to nail down your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commercial Planner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Commercial Planner role. Highlight your experience with buying and merchandising practices, and don’t forget to mention any relevant analytical skills that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to articulate ideas clearly. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or collaborated with teams in the past.
Highlight Your Analytical Prowess: The role requires strong analytical skills, so be sure to include specific instances where you've used data to drive decisions. Mention any experience with tools like Oracle MFP or similar systems to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Debenhams Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Commercial Planner, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Prepare examples of how you've identified trends or opportunities through analysis.
✨Master the Product Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end product lifecycle. Be prepared to explain how you can contribute to each stage, from forecasting to trading analysis. Showing a solid understanding of this process will demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating complex ideas simply and clearly. Think about how you would explain your past experiences to someone unfamiliar with your work, especially when discussing collaboration with stakeholders.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Debenhams Group values innovation and staying updated on market performance. Research current trends in retail and product management, and be ready to share your insights during the interview. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement and your proactive approach.