STYLING MANAGER

Be part of a bold new chapter in content creation through a groundbreaking collaboration between M&S and Production Factory. Together, we’re launching a dynamic new creative hub at the iconic Big Sky Studios – a purpose-built space to spark imagination, foster creativity and deliver excellence. This is more than a job; it’s a rare opportunity to help shape the visual identity of one of Britain’s best loved brands.

Summary of role: The Styling Manager will report into the Head of Production at the Production Factory, taking creative direction from the M&S styling team. You will be the guardian of M&S’s visual identity, upholding the vision of the brand and ensuring all on-set styling feels current and appeals to the customer. You will be the main point of contact for styling and will forge strong relationships with the M&S creative & styling teams to ensure your collection and brand knowledge is flawless. You will manage and inspire the Production Factory styling team, along with a roster of freelance stylists. This role will be based full time at Big Sky Studios in London. Regular time will be spent with the inhouse styling and product teams at the M&S Support Centre, also based in London.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Work collaboratively with cross functional teams, including sample management and production, to ensure content is delivered to the highest possible standard.
• Review styling prep ahead of on-models sets, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards.
• Style model shoots on set, creating inspiring outfits to entice the customer and showcase M&S products in their best light.
• Demonstrate a discerning eye for detail and exceptional taste levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the internal M&S styling teams and leadership, regularly spending time at the M&S Support Centre in London.
• Lead, upskill, and inspire the internal Production Factory styling team and freelance stylists, providing guidance and current styling techniques.
• Have a keen understanding of the M&S brand identity and handwriting across all areas, including WW, MW & KW.
• Uphold the M&S styling guidelines where relevant and ensure the wider team, including freelance talent, understand the importance of producing work that adheres to these.
• Collaborate with the Wardrobe Assistant and Sample Manager to maintain and evolve the styling wardrobe, ensuring it is seasonally relevant and well organised.
• Keep up to date with industry shows, trends, street style, social movements, Instagram etc to stay inspired, bring the freshest ideas/approaches to styling.
• Maintain a constant awareness of competitors and be ahead of the curve.
• Maintain a database of freelance stylists, suggesting new talent to the roster when required.
• Onboard and brief new stylists, providing feedback to the internal M&S teams.
• Work collaboratively with the M&S, Production Factory and on set freelance teams, taking on constructive feedback and finding creative solutions to improve overall output.
• Drive efficiency on set and work proactively to improve studio processes.

You are:

• An accomplished senior stylist/styling manager; with extensive hands-on model & product styling experience, for fashion brands and fashion editorials.
• Experienced in delivering imagery and videos for digital and social channels.
• Used to working with demanding deadlines and able to manage a high level of projects with a quick turn-around.
• Able to work calmly in a busy environment.
• A confident people manager with proven experience of leading a large team of stylists working in a fast-paced studio.
• A creative thinker with the ability to positively support the shoot process.
• At home in a studio shoot environment and understand the shoot processes and technical workings of a studio.
• Someone with strong existing relationships with relevant suppliers and freelancers in styling.
• A focused, hardworking individual that has the maturity and empathy to manage teams and people across varying roles.
• A confident and professional presenter with credible industry experience, able to host high level meeting situations; always remaining calm & positive whilst presenting new ideas.

Benefits:

• Great workplace at a new state-of-the-art content studio in the heart of London.
• Free home cooked lunches with changing menu delivered by our talented in-house chefs.
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Company Pension scheme.
• Family is massively important to us, so we have a broad range of family-friendly working policies in place, including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• As an equal opportunities employer, The Production Factory is committed to equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.