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 career progression and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative role that shapes brand identity and product innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in brand management and strong stakeholder skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Based in our London Graphic Centre Office, Covent Garden with regular travel to Crewe Ryman Retail Support Centre.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Own Brand Stationery and Partnerships 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
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Ryman and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Ryman are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Ryman on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Ryman. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Own Brand Stationery and Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Ryman. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Ryman:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Ryman’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ryman
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Ryman will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Ryman, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
