Partnerships Lead

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Lead

🔹 Company: Debenhams Group

🔹 Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & PR

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-27

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a high-performing team to deliver impactful brand campaigns, events, and partnerships
• Overseeing daily press office operations and driving PR strategies
• Shaping influencer marketing strategies and identifying brand collaborations
• Working cross-functionally with trade, buying, and brand teams to bring 360° campaigns to life
• Mentoring and developing team members to foster a culture of creativity and accountability

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the fashion, beauty, or retail industry to drive successful brand campaigns and partnerships.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Own and drive the daily running of the Debenhams press office, securing top-tier media coverage, thought leadership, and product placement

✅ Plan and execute compelling in-person brand moments, such as launches, pop-ups, and seasonal showcases, ensuring flawless VIP and media attendance

✅ Shape and lead influencer marketing strategies across fashion, beauty, and home, building long-term relationships with talent that reflect the Debenhams brand

✅ Identify and lead brand collaborations that align with the customer’s lifestyle, working cross-functionally to bring 360° campaigns to life

✅ Inspire, mentor, and develop a passionate team, driving a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills to successfully manage multiple projects and teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field

Experience: 5+ years in brand marketing, partnerships, PR, or influencer strategy, ideally within fashion, beauty, or retail

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of creating buzz-worthy, culturally relevant campaigns
• Exceptional media and influencer contacts
• Strong leadership, agency management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Creative mind with commercial acumen and a finger on the cultural pulse

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with global brands or in an international setting
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in fast-paced, dynamic environments and a passion for the Debenhams brand will thrive in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a Marketing & PR Manager role in Manchester)

Benefits:

• Share schemes
• Health and wellbeing support
• Employee discount (up to 40% off all brands)

Working Hours: Full-time, core hours with flexible working options

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Manchester. The final offer may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion. Debenhams is a leading online department store with a rich history and a strong brand presence in the UK.

Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees). This size allows for a collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and exposure to various aspects of the business.

Founded: 1778. Debenhams has a long-standing reputation in the retail industry and has evolved to become a digital-first, omnichannel retailer.

Company Description:

• Debenhams is a British multinational retailer operating in the fashion, beauty, and home categories.
• The company offers a wide range of products under its own brands and through concessions with third-party brands.
• Debenhams is committed to empowering a global social generation to look and feel confident for every day and every occasion.

Company Specialties:

• Fashion retail
• Beauty and wellness
• Homeware and furniture
• Online and omnichannel retail

Company Website: http://www.boohoo.com

ASSUMPTION: Debenhams' focus on digital-first retail and strong brand presence provides a stable and innovative environment for employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior. This role offers opportunities for growth and leadership within the marketing and PR department.

Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Lead reports directly to the Head of Partnerships and oversees a team of Events Manager, Partnerships Manager, Senior Executive, two Executives, and an Assistant.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with core hours and flexible working options to accommodate team members' needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior leadership role within the marketing and PR department
• Expanding the team and taking on additional responsibilities
• Gaining experience working with global brands and international markets

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression and provides opportunities for professional development within the marketing and PR field.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Manchester city center

Office Location(s): Debenhams House, 101-103 Market Street, Manchester, M60 1WR

Geographic Context:

• Manchester is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving retail scene
• The office is located in the city center, with easy access to public transportation and amenities
• The city offers a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment, and dining options

Work Schedule: Full-time, with core hours and flexible working options to accommodate team members' needs

ASSUMPTION: The Manchester office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to city-center amenities and a diverse range of cultural experiences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with the Talent Acquisition Manager
• Meeting with the Head of Partnerships at Debenhams House to discuss experience and explore value brought to the team
• Presentation of a response to a brief and potential meetings with Senior Leadership
• Final decision and feedback following the final meeting

Key Assessment Areas:

• Cultural fit and alignment with Debenhams' values
• Strategic thinking and campaign development skills
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the fashion, beauty, or retail industry and the Debenhams brand
• Prepare examples of successful campaigns or projects that showcase your creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership skills

ATS Keywords: Brand marketing, partnerships, PR, influencer strategy, leadership, agency management, cross-functional collaboration, creativity, commercial acumen

ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess candidates' cultural fit, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, as well as their understanding of the fashion, beauty, or retail industry and the Debenhams brand.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard in the marketing and PR industry and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Empowerment
• Confidence
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody the Debenhams values of empowerment, confidence, and innovation in your work?
• How do you adapt to changing priorities and workloads in a fast-paced environment?
• What examples can you provide of driving results and continuous improvement in your previous roles?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Debenhams' values and work style will thrive in this role and contribute to the company's success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Keeping up with industry trends and cultural shifts to inform campaign strategies

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by strong project management skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the fashion, beauty, or retail industry.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to a Marketing Manager role, this position places a stronger emphasis on partnerships, PR, and influencer marketing
• Unlike a PR Manager role, this position requires a broader range of skills, including event planning, brand collaborations, and team leadership
• Compared to an Influencer Marketing Manager role, this position offers a more holistic view of brand marketing and the opportunity to lead a team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and requires a well-rounded marketing and PR professional to succeed.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a high-profile influencer campaign to launch a new product line
• Planning and executing a large-scale event, such as a fashion show or brand activation, to generate media coverage and customer engagement
• Identifying and securing strategic brand partnerships that align with the Debenhams brand and customer base

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the breadth of responsibilities and the strategic, creative, and leadership skills required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the biggest challenges facing the Partnerships team in the next 12 months, and how can this role address them?
• How does the Partnerships team collaborate with other departments, such as Trade, Buying, and Brand, to bring 360° campaigns to life?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing and PR department?
• How does Debenhams support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role, and how will progress be measured?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a strong interest in the role and a commitment to understanding the company's priorities and culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of successful campaigns or projects that showcase your creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership skills
• Follow up with the Talent Acquisition Manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.