Head of Commercial 12 Month FTC

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:
• Own Buy
• 3rd Party
• Marketplace
• Licensing
• Collaborations
• 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
• 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

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