Head of Own Brand and Partnerships

We’re looking for a commercially driven Own Brand and Product Development leader to take ownership of a diverse consumer product portfolio, developing distinctive products and brands while driving profitable growth.

This is a senior role combining brand strategy, product development, Far East sourcing and full P&L ownership. You’ll be responsible for taking products from initial concept through to launch, building strong supplier relationships and ensuring the portfolio delivers against sales, margin, stock turn and profitability targets.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the own-brand proposition, identify new product opportunities and build a portfolio that appeals to different customer segments, from entry-level products through to premium and design-led ranges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the own-brand strategy across multiple product categories, identifying opportunities to expand and strengthen the portfolio.

• Drive Far East sourcing and product development, identifying new manufacturing partners, negotiating commercial terms and managing long-term supplier relationships.

• Take full P&L ownership for the portfolio, with accountability for sales, gross margin, profitability, stock turn, markdown and end-of-line stock risk.

• Develop own-brand products from concept to customer, including brand positioning, naming, packaging, visual identity and design direction.

• Identify new product opportunities, market trends and gaps in the range to drive growth and improve commercial performance.

• Build and manage a clear product architecture across entry-level, core and premium ranges, ensuring the right products are available at the right price points.

• Develop strategic relationships with Far East manufacturers to negotiate multi-category agreements, improve commercial terms and create exclusive products.

• Build partnerships with external brands and suppliers to develop complementary ranges and strengthen the overall product proposition.

• Lead new product development from initial concept through to launch, ensuring products meet customer expectations, quality standards and commercial targets.

• Work closely with buying, marketing, supply chain, quality and senior trading teams to deliver successful launches and maximise sales opportunities.

• Use customer insight, market data and financial analysis to identify growth opportunities, improve product mix and maximise profitability.

• Balance own-brand development with the wider product portfolio, ensuring ranges complement existing brands and deliver incremental sales.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in own-brand, private-label, product development or category leadership within retail, FMCG or a related consumer goods environment.

• Strong experience of Far East sourcing, supplier negotiations and manufacturing relationships, with the ability to develop products and manage the supply chain from concept through to delivery.

• A track record of full P&L ownership, with responsibility for sales, gross margin, stock, markdown and overall commercial performance.

• Experience building and developing product ranges, including pricing architecture, brand positioning, new product development and portfolio management.

• Strong commercial judgement, using financial modelling, customer insight and market data to make informed decisions.

• Experience negotiating with suppliers and building strategic, long-term manufacturing partnerships.

• The ability to identify opportunities across product categories, balancing customer demand, commercial returns and stock investment.

• Confident stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior commercial teams and bring people together around a shared strategy.

• A hands-on, commercially focused approach, combining long-term brand development with day-to-day trading performance.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and company pension, with additional benefits.

• Generous annual leave allowance and an additional wellbeing day.

• Training, development and structured career progression opportunities.

• A collaborative working environment with the opportunity to make a real impact on the direction and growth of the product portfolio