We have an opportunity to lead our Commercial Team here at Oak Furnitureland. The role is based in our Swindon Head Office and we can offer hybrid working with 2 days in the office and 3 from home.
The Head of Commercial role is responsible for driving success throughout the merchandising, trading, planning and promotions function. Working alongside the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to create and implement the commercial strategy.
Working as a key member of the commercial leadership team, the Head of Commercial will have overall responsibility for improving the margin and stock holding within the business. Working closely with the Buying, Sourcing, Finance and Marketing teams will be key to hitting the KPIs, while constantly seeking to enhance the capability of their team.
Key responsibilities:
● Works with the CCO to develop the commercial strategy and ensure it supports the overall business strategy.
● Ensures overarching promotions and stock drives bookings/revenue in line with the business plan.
● Identifies broader commercial opportunities that will facilitate further business growth and expansion.
● Collaborates closely with the finance and retail teams to develop trading, financial and merchandising plans that deliver required product sales and margin.
● Ensures end to end processes are mapped out within the function.
● Builds relationships with key stakeholders throughout the business, ensuring smooth working relationships.
● Contributes to supporting both the retail and ecommerce teams to excel, analysing the detail of each store, understanding the different consumer purchasing cycle and online buying habits by demographic and locality.
● Provides strategic commercial and trading support to the CCO and Exec team on a weekly basis.
● Builds relationships with Sofa and Bed suppliers, ensuring regular communication with the team regarding stock and promotions, ensuring best lead times to suit our requirements.
● Oversees the Good/Better/Best pricing architecture, ensuring margins are maintained.
● Effectively implements systems which help with stock management and forecasting.
● Oversees stock forecasting, inventory, and demand planning, ensuring optimal intake strategy to deliver availability and maximise sales, especially for top lines all whilst reducing stock cover over time.
● Deputises for the CCO at Executive and Board meetings as required.
Skills and experience:
● Strategic leadership – Proven experience, ideally within the furniture sector, in developing and executing strategic plans
● Team leadership - Strong leadership skills to build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams, promoting teamwork, inclusivity, diversity and professional development
● Market awareness - Ability to analyse market trends and competitor activities, identifying new opportunities for growth and development
● Collaboration - Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with other stakeholders and suppliers, aligning Commercial goals with overall business strategy, using profound emotional intelligence to help drive the department forward
● Analytical skills - Ability to interpret data, analyse performance metrics, and make data-driven decisions to drive Commercial opportunities
● Adaptability - Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer behaviours, ensuring sustained growth and profitability
Benefits:
- Employee discount: amazing discounts available on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation
- 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
- Birthday: an additional day off for you to celebrate your birthday
- Pension: 4% employee contribution matched by the company
- Group Income Protection (GIP) - Cover in the event that you are unable to work due to an accident or long-term illness
- Group Life Insurance (GDIS) - The Company provides Life Insurance cover of three times your basic salary
- Bonus scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme: gives all employees access to both telephone and face-to-face counselling services
- My Rewards Programme: offers discounts on everything from restaurants and supermarkets, to entertainment and holidays
- Free onsite parking