Paul Jenkinson

Consulting role delivering strategic recommendations to strengthen commercial performance across The Very Group, providing market insight, performance leadership, and commercial governance. Leading the Commercial and Price Management teams across Sports & Leisure, Fashion, Beauty, and Homeware to drive improved trading outcomes and category profitability.

Operated as a Senior Leader reporting to the CTO and Founder, shaping group wide strategy and holding full commercial accountability for the Pro Sports division across global ecommerce, retail, wholesale, B2B and clearance. Led a 20 person Merchandising, Data and Branch team, owning global merchandising strategy for 40 elite sports partners including McLaren, Redbull F1, Rangers, Everton, England Cricket and Rugby. Set divisional strategy, sales and stock budgets, KPI frameworks and ensured alignment across trading, operations and 3PL partners. Provided executive oversight of global product assortment, pricing, WSSI, OTB, inventory and critical‑path governance.

Promoted from Head of Merchandising to Merchandising Director, stepping into expanded strategic and organisational leadership to deliver high‑growth ambitions.

Led global stock optimisation across stores, wholesale and ecommerce, setting strategy, sales and stock budgets, and aligning divisional KPIs while managing a team of 20. Reported to the Merchandising Director and Executive Committee as part of the Senior Leadership Group shaping company strategy and cost‑saving initiatives. Owned WSSI, Branch Merchandising for 220 stores, OTB planning, markdown strategy and full product lifecycle across off‑price and wholesale. Directed wholesale fulfilment and in‑season optimisation for a £215m budget plus £100m across off‑price channels. Strengthened accuracy and cross‑functional alignment through a new S&OP forum and reduced stockholding by 15% (2.2m units) whilst protecting brand integrity.

Moved into a newly created role to lead Off‑Price trading and inventory control, holding full accountability for the Outlet channel across the UK, EU and US (£100m turnover) and stock‑clearance performance across wholesale and ecommerce, including eBay (£35m). Reported into the Merchandising Director, leading weekly trade and sign‑off sessions with the Executive Committee while managing teams across product and Branch Merchandising. Oversaw WSSI, OTB, risk and opportunity planning, markdown and margin optimisation with Finance, and seasonal category forecasting across Menswear and Womenswear. Directed the build and sign‑off of the Made‑for‑Outlet range (c.500 options annually), coordinating all stakeholders. Developed the promotional calendar to drive footfall, conversion, UPT and ABV while balancing cash‑margin expectations, and optimised outlet pricing across multiple jurisdictions.

Led the Womenswear & Accessories division, accountable for 38% of company turnover across stores, ecommerce and wholesale. Reported into the Merchandising Director with weekly trade and sign‑offs with the Executive Committee, managing six direct reports and a wider team of 20. Owned budgets, financial planning and delivery of core merchandising KPIs across sales, margin, markdown and stock, with full WSSI control to maximise profit and availability. Shaped product strategy with Directors, Category Heads and Design, overseeing a 2,500 option global range framework. Drove departmental transformation and continuous improvement, and led the promotional calendar and in‑season trading to deliver Womenswear financial performance.

Reported into the CEO, accountable for all departments budget, sign off and WSSI control (+£100m, 5000 options). Trading of Ladieswear, Mens, Kids, Footwear, Homeware and Ecommerce within a multi channel retailer. Continuous review of systems and process, targeting business improvement. Motivate and lead merchandising team. KPI and customer focused, operating in a competitive market.

Homeware, Mens, Kids, Accessories and Concessions

Progressed from Trainee Merchandiser