Meet our people
Ann Holmes, Sales Supervisor - Bridal
I’ve always worked in fashion retail. Before I joined Debenhams I worked for a concession. I wanted to work for a bigger team and develop my sales skills. I was also looking for more challenges and the opportunity to work with a bigger range of products. I love selling and what better place to sell than Debenhams? Everyone is so friendly. I have worked in Lingerie, Cosmetics and now Bridal. The company is very good with training. If you feel you require it, you just need to ask. I feel as though I’ve progressed as far as I’ve wanted. I am now at that age where I really should be winding down but I really enjoy what I do and I want to carry on. If I wanted to go further, I know I could.
Brenda Sommerville, Senior Food Services Manager
The great thing about Debenhams is that it’s not about your qualifications, it’s about how hard you work. And they do notice. I really enjoy customer service and my job role, which also involves developing managers and other staff. Even after working here for 26 years, I still get a buzz from working hard and trying to achieve our targets. It’s very exciting when we achieve our targets before the deadline. As I’ve been promoted, I’ve received lots of guidance and training. I am very proud of working here because of the way they treat me. Very few people get that from their jobs these days.
Jeanette Whithear, Store Merchandising Controller
I’ve been here for eight years now. I joined because I wanted the experience of working for a big department store, and Debenhams is the biggest in the marketplace.
I love my job. I have a real passion for retailing, and store merchandising gives me so much variety. I would definitely tell people to come here. It’s just a great place to work. The people here are fantastic, and I think that the training they offer is second to none. There’s a structure to progress into, and loads of places to develop. I’m a good example, as I started in Merchandising but have moved across to do something different.
John Coleman, Credit Operations Manager
Moving through different roles has kept me really interested. I stay in a role for a few years, then use that experience to progress onto something else within Debenhams. Wherever you start, there are lots of things that you can do and lots of variety.
Kate Hills, Buying Manager
Basically no two days are ever the same. That’s the great thing about being a Buyer at Debenhams - you’ve got so many brands and products to work with. Sure there are highs and lows, but solving problems is all part of the fun.
Louise Brace, Selling Support Manager, Harrow
It’s very exciting and challenging, and you never get bored. It is really varied. I’m always doing something different. It’s certainly hard work, but I love the people and I’ve progressed very quickly.
Marcus Appleton, Store Manager – Oxford Street
The environment here changes by the minute, which is just fantastic. It’s very hard work, but if you’re up for a challenge and you like working with people in a fast, busy and fun environment, you should definitely join Debenhams.
Mina Abba-Mensah, Sales Manager - Lingerie
I’ve worked at Debenhams for 20 years. I started as a shop assistant and then became a supervisor and then a Deputy Manager and now I am a Sales Manager. I’ve been on lots of development courses and received one-to-one training, it’s all helped me get on here. Debenhams is a really supportive company, they really take care of their staff.
Peter Harper, System Developer
The critical area that I'm involved in is producing information to enable the managers to more effectively manage the business on a day-to-day basis. My aim is to lead a development team on projects from initial requirement analysis through to implementation of the final product.
It’s a challenging and varied environment, and I’m not chained to my screen all day. It’s also quite a relaxed and pleasurable place to work. And what is it like to work at Taunton? I think it’s excellent. The location is great, and I can see the hills from my desk. If you like the outdoors life, it’s a lovely place to live.
Rebecca Brophy, Wedding Gift Supervisor – Welwyn Garden City
I joined on the Management Training Programme about a year ago. It is a really fantastic programme. And it’s a fantastic company to work for. If you put the energy in, and if you’ve got the right drive and enthusiasm, then the company will really work for you.
Sarah Vincent, Junior Buyer
I joined straight from university. I was attracted because they have quite a good graduate training programme, and I’ve really been able to move forward. I started as a Buyer’s Admin Assistant, and have recently been promoted to Junior Buyer, with my own department.
From my experience, I would recommend Debenhams as a good company to work for. They’ve been good at progressing me through my career. The people are friendly, and the variety’s great. I’ve been moved around in lots of different departments and have had lots of experience with different products.
Simon Crowther, International Business Manager
I look after the operations side of our international business. I get to see the whole business, which is really interesting. I would definitely encourage people to join Debenhams. There are so many areas of the business, such as retail, finance and IT. You’ll soon find your strengths.
Tracy Roberts, Senior Merchandiser
Working at Debenhams gives you lots of opportunities. You get to work between different divisions, departments and teams. All of this enables you to gain additional skills, which you can use wherever your career takes you.
