At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for own brand stationery and develop exciting new products.
- Company: Join Ryman, a leading name in stationery with over 130 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and exclusive discounts across brands.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative role that shapes brand identity and product innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in brand management or retail leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Based in our Crewe office, with weekly travel to our London Graphic Centre office in Covent Garden.
Reporting To: Trading Director
WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
- Own the strategy for own brand led stationery categories, including notebook, writing, gifting led stationery and adjacent ranges
- Source and develop own brand product including Far East sourcing and supplier management
- Own the brand proposition from concept to customer , brand name, positioning, visual identity , product naming, packaging and design direction
- Create relevant external brands and partners, including ranges such as Legami and Japanese stationery
- Work closely with creative teams to build a coherent and differentiated design aesthetic
- Take full commercial accountability for sales, gross margin, stock turn, markdown and terminal risk stock
- Establish clear brand tiering frameworks (Entry / Opening Price Point, Core Equivalent, and Premium Proprietary) to capture diverse customer segments and maximize total basket value.
- Partner closely with Category Directors, Marketing, Supply Chain, and QA to align shelf space, drive product velocity, and deliver a seamless end-to-end launch pipeline.
- Build deep, long-term relationships with key manufacturing partners, negotiating multi-category agreements and co-creating exclusive innovations.
- What We Would Like To See In You
- Demonstrated track record in private label portfolio management, FMCG brand management, or retail category leadership at scale.
- Ability to think cross-categorically rather than within a single buying silo-focusing on net category cash growth, basket economics, and return on space.
- Proven ability to define clear product tiering, manage cannibalization risks against national brands, and drive NPD (New Product Development) stage-gate processes.
- Outstanding stakeholder management skills with the commercial gravitas to influence internal trading directors and external strategic vendors.
- Comfort using customer insights, market share data, and financial modeling to identify whitespace opportunities.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, company pension (with enhancement options), and a referral scheme.
- Generous holiday allowance plus an extra wellbeing day to recharge.
- Tailored training, structured career progression, and funded apprenticeship programmes.
- Exclusive discounts across all group brands (Ryman, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue), Cycle2Work scheme, and access to mental health first aiders and wellness support.
- A collaborative team with recognition awards and regular social events.
Who We Are
With over 130 years of heritage, Ryman is the UK's go-to destination for stationery, office supplies, and tech.
Operating over 200 stores alongside a thriving digital presence, we are proud to be part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group (including Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue, and London Graphic Centre).
We are a resilient, innovative, and customer-first business. We believe in equipping our people with the tools they need to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves at work.
PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.
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Head of Own Brand Stationery and Partnerships in Crewe employer: Ryman
Ryman in Royal Leamington Spa is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where team members are encouraged to thrive and develop their skills. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and employee growth, you will find ample opportunities for professional development while being part of a supportive team that values your contributions. Join us to be part of a brand that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Own Brand Stationery and Partnerships in Crewe
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Ryman, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Ryman!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Own Brand Stationery and Partnerships in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Ryman, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Ryman and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Ryman that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ryman
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
