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- Tasks: Help grow and manage partnerships while representing Debenhams to potential sellers.
- Company: Join the innovative Debenhams Group, transforming retail with a fresh approach.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, private medical cover, gym access, and 20% brand discounts.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of retail transformation and make impactful connections.
- Qualifications: Passion for business development, strong interpersonal skills, and a can-do attitude.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and team mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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 ambitious and energetic Community Development Assistant to help us manage our clientele. You will focus on growing and scaling our partner portfolio across all categories. As part of the front-facing team of the company, you will have the dedication and passion to create and develop strong relationships with new partners. You will be supporting the team in identifying new partners and prepping negotiations and support for new sellers onto Debenhams. This role will be based out of our central Manchester office.
What You’ll Be Doing
Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, we have transformed marketplace as a business unit that complemented the wider business to now being the business itself. 90% of products onsite we don’t own and all come from the marketplace.
We have 3 pillars within the team:
- Business Development
- Onboarding and support
- Account Management
Key Responsibilities
- Front line representation of the business to prospective seller partners and service providers
- Identifying brand gaps and hunting strategies across multiple categories
- Responsible for outreach/ negotiation: Promoting the company and signing of new partners/ sellers.
- Work closely with Aggregator partners and service providers, building joint growth plans.
- Identify business levers/ automation/ processes to accelerate category and brand signing acceleration & overall marketplace turnover.
- Build and/or improve scalable processes and implement them in community development daily operations.
- Liaise with the Onboarding and Account Management teams to successfully transition sellers from signed to full launch
- Coordinate seller/ category growth projects across various Debenhams business functions (legal, finance, IT, ecomm, supply chain, operations, tech) and communicate with internal and external parties, while meeting tight deadlines for high visibility projects.
- Attend trade fairs/ Marketplace Seminars/ Presenting at Lunch and Learns and conferences etc.
- Manage, train and mentor the team- ensure everyone is meeting their KPIs and Goals
What We Look For
- Keen interest in business development or sales
- ‘Can-do’ entrepreneurial attitude
- Strong commercial and analytical skills, and thrives in fast-paced dynamic environments
- As the first face of Debenhams, strong interpersonal skills with a history of establishing key partnerships and influencing at senior stakeholder level
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
Community Business Development Assistant in Manchester employer: Debenhams
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Business Development Assistant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Debenhams Group's recent changes and their vision for the future. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade fairs, or even local meetups where you can connect with people in the retail space. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights into potential opportunities at Debenhams.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll be representing Debenhams to potential partners, so make sure you can confidently communicate what makes the company unique. A strong personal brand can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Debenhams.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Business Development Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community development and business growth shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission at Debenhams.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in business development or sales. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Community Business Development Assistant role. Use it to share specific examples of how you’ve built relationships and driven results in previous roles.
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Debenhams!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Debenhams Group thoroughly. Understand their recent transformations, values, and what they’re looking for in a Community Business Development Assistant. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves establishing strong partnerships, be prepared to discuss your past experiences in building relationships. Share specific examples where you've successfully negotiated or collaborated with others, highlighting your interpersonal skills and 'can-do' attitude.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Debenhams is looking for someone with strong commercial and analytical skills. Be ready to talk about how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've identified gaps or opportunities in a business context.
✨Prepare Questions That Show Your Enthusiasm
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.