Partnerships Lead

Debenhams Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Debenhams Group is seeking a Partnerships Lead to enhance their brand through innovative PR, influencer marketing, and vibrant events. The role involves leading a dynamic team and creating impactful campaigns to strengthen Debenhams' position in the market. An ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in brand marketing, possess strong media relations, and exhibit exceptional leadership skills. Join Debenhams to be part of their evolution and contribute to exciting brand partnerships and creative projects.

Benefits

Share schemes

Flexible working hours

Health and wellbeing benefits

Up to 40% discount on brands

Social events

Qualifications

• 5+ years in brand marketing, partnerships, PR, or influencer strategy.
• Proven track record of creating buzz-worthy campaigns.
• Exceptional media and influencer contacts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the Debenhams press office.
• Oversee brand activations and events.
• Shape and lead influencer marketing strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Creativity

Media relations

Influencer engagement

Job description

You know the name. You know the legacy. From our high street roots to redefining retail since 1778, Debenhams has always been more than just a department store—we’ve been a household name, a style destination, and a trendsetter.

Fast forward to today: Debenhams is Britain’s Leading Online Department Store, with bold ambitions and a fresh digital-first mindset. We’re not “back”—we’ve never left. We’ve simply evolved. And now, we’re writing the next chapter. Want to be part of it?

Britain needs Debenhams… and Debenhams needs you!

Your Team: Powering Partnerships, Creating Culture

The Partnerships team is where energy meets imagination. We bring the Debenhams brand to life - online, on-screen, and in real life. Over the past year alone, we’ve delivered our first global influencer trip, hosted unforgettable events like Partner Day and Debenhams Day Spa, and kept our name in lights with standout media coverage.

Led by our forward-thinking Partnerships Lead, the team includes an Events Manager, Partnerships Manager, Senior Executive, two Executives, and an Assistant. It’s a collaborative, high-performing unit that thrives on impact, creativity, and connection.

Your Role

This is your chance to shape how the world sees Debenhams. As Partnerships Lead, you’ll sit at the intersection of brand storytelling, PR, influencer engagement, and strategic collaborations.

You’ll report to the Head of Partnerships and lead a multi-talented team to deliver high-impact campaigns, unforgettable events, and authentic brand partnerships that drive engagement, elevate perception, and deliver results.

What You'll Be Doing

PR & Communications

• Own the daily running of the Debenhams press office.
• Drive an “always-on” strategy with our PR agency and internal team.
• Secure top-tier media coverage, thought leadership, and product placement.

Events & Activations

• Bring our brand to life with compelling in-person moments—think launches, pop-ups, and seasonal showcases.
• Oversee VIP and media attendance with the Events Manager to ensure flawless execution.

Influencer Marketing

• Shape and lead our influencer strategy across fashion, beauty, and home.
• Build long-term relationships with talent that truly reflect our brand.
• Manage gifting, paid collaborations, and content strategy alongside our Influencer Execs.

Brand Partnerships

• Identify and lead brand collabs that align with our customer’s lifestyle.
• Work cross-functionally with trade, buying, and brand teams to bring 360° campaigns to life.

Team Leadership

• Inspire, mentor, and develop a passionate team.
• Drive a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear goals, promote high standards, and celebrate success.

What You can Bring

• 5+ years in brand marketing, partnerships, PR, or influencer strategy - ideally in fashion, beauty, or retail.
• A proven track record of creating buzz-worthy, culturally relevant campaigns.
• Exceptional media and influencer contacts.
• Strong leadership, agency management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• A creative mind with commercial acumen and a finger firmly on the cultural pulse.

What to expect from here:

1. If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you for an informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with our Talent Acquisition Manager.
2. If successful, you’ll then meet with the Head of Partnerships at Debenhams House to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team.
3. Most of our hiring processes consist of two stages. You will meet with the head of partnerships to present a response to a brief - You may also be asked to meet with Senior Leadership
4. We will conclude the process after this stage and feedback soon after your final meeting with a final decision.

Why Join Us?

• You’ll get the opportunity to take part in our various share schemes
• Core hours enable you to flex your working times around your needs on an ad hoc basis
• Benefits that support your health and wellbeing
• There’s up to 40% discount off our all of our brands
• Our social calendar? Next level
• With HQs in Manchester and London and offices across the globe (some are dog friendly!), we offer a buzzing atmosphere and the boohoo family culture wherever you work

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