At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive profitable growth.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, home of John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, night premium, hybrid working, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of feedback and continuous improvement in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping commercial strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in P&L management, data analysis, and stakeholder collaboration.
As a Commercial Manager you will lead a cross functional team in the delivery of Customer and Commercial outcomes using your strong background in reporting and data analytics to develop data strategies, monitor performance, identify trends, and communicate insights to product, marketing, and operations and give commercial direction. The primary objective is to deliver excellent customer experiences and ensure sustainable, profitable growth. This will ultimately achieve ambitious commercial and customer outcomes.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £5.25 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
At a Glance:
- Salary range: The salary range for this role is £55,500 to £84,600 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
- Contract type: This is a permanent contract.
- Working pattern/flexible working: The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. The current expectation is for the team to meet in the office 1 day a week, subject to change, and on a more ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings.
- Hours of Work: 35 hours per week.
- Location: Pimlico, London.
Key responsibilities:
- Commercial & P&L Leadership: Directly accountable for Profit & Loss (P&L) delivery and translating data insights into actionable strategies that shape product, pricing, and overall commercial direction.
- Data Strategy & Insight: Developing robust data strategies, monitoring performance, and identifying key trends.
- Customer & Regulatory Focus: Ensuring positive customer outcomes, maintaining alignment with Consumer Duty regulations.
- Culture & Feedback: Fostering a positive, outcome-focused culture of feedback and continuous improvement.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need:
- Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse internal/external stakeholders, driving consensus.
- P&L Management: Significant experience managing P&L, including forecasting, financial planning, cost efficiency identification, and revenue driving. Deep financial metric understanding is essential.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor business risks. Develop and implement robust risk strategies, ensuring compliance.
- Data Reporting & Analysis: Expert in complex data analysis, generating actionable insights, informing strategy, and tracking KPIs. Proficient with tools and clear presentation to non-technical audiences.
- Communication Excellence: Exceptional ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, persuasively, and professionally across all mediums.
- Complex Matrixed Environment Experience: Demonstrated ability to operate and deliver results within a large, complex, ambiguous matrixed structure, navigating multiple reporting lines and influencing outcomes without direct authority.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- Experience working within regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency in contract management.
- Background in financial services would be advantageous.
Important points to note:
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible.
At the John Lewis Partnership we’re not just employees; we’re co-owners, and that’s why we’re called Partners. Being a Partner means not only do we all collectively share the responsibilities of being the UK’s largest employee-owned business, but we also share in its rewards and successes. It’s this ownership model that makes the Partnership a very unique place to work.
Commercial Manager - Insurance employer: John Lewis plc
John Lewis Waitrose & Partners is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and customer service. With flexible part-time hours and a night premium for late shifts, employees enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to a community-focused environment in Locks Heath. Opportunities for personal growth and development are encouraged, making it a rewarding place to build a career in retail and delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Insurance
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like John Lewis plc). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like John Lewis plc. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Insurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at John Lewis plc.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at John Lewis plc. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at John Lewis plc to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at John Lewis plc, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding John Lewis plc's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.