At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial planning and drive performance across a multi-channel landscape.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a dynamic brand evolving in the fashion retail space.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, discounts, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and development in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Karen Millen and make a real impact on global growth.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in commercial leadership within fashion retail or e-commerce.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About the Role
At Debenhams Group, we are continuing our transformation, evolving our brands, products, and global reach at pace. As part of this journey, Karen Millen plays a key role within our premium portfolio, known for elevated design, quality craftsmanship and a confident, modern aesthetic. We are looking for an experienced Head of Commercial to join us on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. This is a business‑critical role, responsible for strengthening our commercial planning capability, driving performance, and ensuring we have the structure, processes and governance in place to support continued multi‑channel growth.
The Role
Sitting at the centre of the business, this role will act as the commercial engine, owning end‑to‑end planning, trading performance and cross‑functional alignment. You will be responsible for embedding a robust, data‑led commercial framework, ensuring clear ownership of sales, stock and margin, while driving performance across a complex, multi‑channel landscape. This role will bring structure, pace and clarity to how we plan, trade, and deliver product, enabling scalable growth and improved profitability.
What You’ll Do
- Commercial Planning & Performance
- Own and evolve the WSSI and budgeting process, partnering closely with Finance to align on budget phasing and forecasts.
- Drive performance across sales, margin and stock, identifying risks and opportunities and taking decisive action.
- Deliver clear visibility and control across trading performance at the category and channel level.
- Multi‑Channel Commercial Ownership
- Lead performance across a complex, multi‑channel landscape, including: Buy, 3rd Party Marketplace, Licensing, Collaborations, Wholesale, Retail/Concession.
- Ensure consistent, optimised trading across each route to market.
- End‑to‑End Product & Trading Alignment
- Partner with Buying and Design to implement a fully integrated product planning process.
- Ensure alignment between range planning, intake and trading strategy.
- Identify gaps and opportunities across the product lifecycle to maximise performance.
- Critical Path & Delivery
- Oversee critical path management, ensuring product moves efficiently from concept through to the warehouse.
- Improve speed to market and minimise delays across the supply chain.
- Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Act as the key connector between Marketing, Design, Buying and Finance.
- Work closely with Group Marketplace team within Debenhams Group.
- Align teams on product, trading priorities and investment decisions.
- Drive pace, accountability and collaboration across functions.
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead and develop a high‑performing commercial/merchandising function.
- Introduce structure, process and best practice across ways of working.
- Support the development of internal talent, including upskilling a Senior Merchandiser with a view to succession.
What We Look For
- Significant experience in a senior commercial or merchandising leadership role within fashion retail or e‑commerce.
- A strong core merchandising background, with deep expertise in planning, trading and stock management.
- Proven experience operating across multiple sales channels, including wholesale, marketplace, shop‑in‑shop and licensing.
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to drive profitable growth and performance at scale.
- Experience owning and managing WSSI, budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence at senior level and drive cross‑functional alignment.
- Strong leadership capability, with experience in building and developing high‑performing teams.
- Data‑driven, with the ability to translate insight into clear actions.
- Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving business environment.
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the commercial future of Karen Millen, driving performance across a global, multi‑channel business within a group that is evolving at pace. You’ll have real ownership, visibility and impact, working at the centre of decision‑making and helping to build a scalable, best‑in‑class commercial function.
Our Benefits Include (subject to level and eligibility)
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance.
- 20% discount across all brands.
- Comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan.
Head of Commercial 12 Month FTC employer: Karen Millen
At Debenhams Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As the Head of Commercial, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our premium brand, Karen Millen, while benefiting from a highly competitive bonus scheme, comprehensive wellbeing package, and ongoing learning opportunities that support your professional growth. Join us in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on our multi-channel success and be part of a team that values talent development and cross-functional alignment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial 12 Month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion retail and e-commerce sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Debenhams Group and its brands. Understand their commercial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements in commercial planning and performance. Use data to back up your claims and demonstrate how you can drive growth. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial 12 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your experience in commercial planning, trading performance, and multi-channel ownership. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your experience in fashion retail or e-commerce.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role is all about data-driven decision-making, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with WSSI, budgeting, and forecasting processes. We love seeing how you've used data to drive performance!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karen Millen
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial, you'll need to demonstrate your strong commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like sales, margin, and stock management. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance in these areas in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires you to act as a connector between various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with marketing, design, and finance in the past. Highlight any specific projects where your leadership made a difference.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decisions
Debenhams Group is looking for someone who can translate data insights into actionable strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your commercial planning and decision-making processes in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a high-performing team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership capabilities. Share experiences where you've built or developed teams, focusing on how you introduced structure and best practices to enhance performance.
