At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product performance and margin strategy for a top baby gifting brand.
- Company: Join a leading personalised gifting brand with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on margin discipline and scalable growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product success in renowned retailers like Selfridges and Harrods.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial roles, strong understanding of product design and retail.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Location: Northampton (Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week onsite)
Department Size: 10–15 people across Buying, Merchandising, Product Design & Supply Chain
My 1st Years is a leading UK-based personalised baby and children’s gifting brand within MY Gift Group, alongside sister brands Made Yours and MY Kids. The next phase of growth will be driven by margin discipline, stock control and scalable product differentiation - not simply increased marketing spend.
The Commercial Director owns the end-to-end economic performance of the physical product portfolio, including:
- Product rate of sale
- Revenue and margin performance within Selfridges and Harrods
Promotions and discounting are joint decisions with the Marketing Director, but cannot be executed without Commercial approval. Commercial protects margin integrity.
Responsibilities include:
- Oversee materials and manufacturability - get involved with product design commercially (CADs, tech packs if need be)
- Protect margin against FX, freight and material volatility
- Own demand forecasting and intake planning
- Improve rate of sale by product
- Pricing Architecture, Promotions & Margin Governance
- Control when discounting is permitted
- Define maximum discount depth
- Physical Retail Ownership (Selfridges & Harrods)
- Own revenue, margin and stock performance in physical retail
- Ensure wholesale pricing supports target margin
- Monitor sell-through and partner performance
- Protect brand and pricing consistency across channels
Strong overseas manufacturing exposure (China essential) and DTC or omnichannel retail experience is required.
Commercial Director/ Accounts Director in Northampton employer: My 1st Years
My 1st Years offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Northampton, where creativity meets commercial acumen. As a leading personalised gifting brand, we prioritise employee growth through collaborative projects and innovative product strategies, ensuring that our team thrives in a culture of excellence and shared success. With hybrid working options and a focus on margin discipline, we empower our employees to make impactful decisions while enjoying the unique advantages of working within a vibrant and growing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director/ Accounts Director in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to show how you can drive margin discipline and product differentiation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with revenue and margin performance, especially in high-stakes environments like Selfridges and Harrods. We’re here to help you articulate how you can protect margin integrity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at My 1st Years.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director/ Accounts Director in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to drive growth and protect margin integrity in our unique market.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in product performance and margin management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to oversee product portfolios and improve revenue.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Commercial Director role.
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 this exciting opportunity with My 1st Years.
How to prepare for a job interview at My 1st Years
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of revenue and margin performance. Brush up on key metrics related to product rate of sale and stock control. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a strong focus on margin discipline and scalable product differentiation. Prepare examples of how you've implemented strategies that improved profitability without solely relying on increased marketing spend. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the competitive landscape, especially regarding high-end retailers like Selfridges and Harrods. Be prepared to discuss how you would protect margin integrity while ensuring brand consistency across channels. This shows you're not just a numbers person but also a market-savvy leader.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Since the role involves overseeing materials and manufacturability, brush up on your knowledge of product design processes, including CADs and tech packs. Being able to speak confidently about these aspects will show that you can bridge the gap between commercial and product design effectively.
