Community Business Development Assistant

THE ROLE

At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.

We are looking to hire an ambitious and energetic Community Development Assistant to help us manage our clientele. You will focus on growing and scaling our partner portfolio across all categories. As part of the front facing team of the company you will have the dedication and passion to create and develop strong relationships with new partners. You will be supporting the team identifying new partners and prepping negotiations and support for new sellers onto Debenhams. 

This role will be based out of our central Manchester office.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, we have transformed marketplace as a business unit that complimented the wider business to now being the business itself. 90% of products onsite we don’t own and all come from the marketplace.   

We have 3 pillars within the team. Business Development – Onboarding and support – Account Management.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Front line representation of the business to prospective seller partners and service providers 

• Identifying brand gaps and hunting strategies across multiple categories 

• Responsible for outreach/ negotiation: Promoting the company and signing of new partners/ sellers. 

• Work closely with Aggregator partners and service providers, building joint growth plans. 

• Identify business levers/ automation/ processes to accelerate category and brand signing acceleration & overall marketplace turn over. 

• Build and/or improve scalable processes and implement them in community development daily operations. 

• Liaise with the Onboarding and Account Management teams to successfully transition sellers from signed to full launch 

• Coordinate seller/ category growth projects across various Debenhams business functions (legal, finance, IT, ecomm, supply chain, operations, tech) and communicate with internal and external parties, while meeting tight deadlines for high visibility projects. 

• Attend trade fairs/Marketplace Seminars/ Presenting at Lunch and Learns and conferences etc 

• Manage, train and mentor the team- ensure everyone is meeting their KPIs and Goals 

WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Keen interest in business development or sales  

• ‘Can-do’ entrepreneurial attitude 

• Has strong commercial and analytical skills, and thrives in fast-paced dynamic environments 

• As the first face of Debenhams Strong interpersonal skills with history of establishing key partnerships and influencing at senior stakeholder level

WORKING WITH US

At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact. 

WHY JOIN US

Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception.

2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.

Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
• Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes
• 20% discount across all brands
• Comprehensive wellbeing package
• Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations)
• Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
• On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks
• Free season ticket loan

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