A fast-growing international fashion group originating from China, known for its portfolio of trend-driven brands that combine accessible pricing with strong design and retail execution. With a vertically integrated model spanning design to retail, the company is rapidly expanding across Asia and into global markets through a mix of direct stores, franchises, and partnerships, supported by a China headquarters and a growing overseas business division focused on Southeast Asia and beyond.
You will be responsible for leading the end-to-end global product strategy in a fast fashion environment, covering design, buying, pattern making, production, and logistics. It focuses on defining product DNA, category mix, and pricing across regions, while managing cross-border design teams (Europe and Asia) and building an integrated merchandise lifecycle from concept to post-launch review. The role also holds full accountability for key commercial metrics such as OTB, inventory turnover, margins, and sell-through, alongside driving supply chain innovation and global expansion. At a strategic level, it involves building a high-performing international product organization and acting as a key advisor to senior leadership on product and merchandising direction.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee the global product strategy of the brand, covering five core functions: merchandise planning, design & buying, pattern making, production, and logistics.
- Define and execute the global merchandise strategy, including product DNA, category mix, pricing architecture, and market-specific differentiation.
- Oversee both the European and Asian product design centers, establishing a coordinated cross-regional design collaboration model.
- Manage the full product lifecycle from Design → Buy → Launch → Track → React → Review, ensuring a closed-loop merchandising system with strong fast-reaction capabilities.
- Lead global merchandise planning and OTB (Open-to-Buy) control, with accountability for key metrics such as inventory turnover, gross margin, sell-through rate, and hit rate of bestsellers.
- Drive system upgrades across pattern development, production processes, and fabric innovation, while building a global supply chain network.
- Collaborate with logistics to ensure efficient end-to-end fulfillment from production to global retail stores and e-commerce channels.
- Build and lead a high-performing global product organization, attracting and developing international talent.
- Participate in group-level strategic decision-making, acting as a key advisor to the Chairman on product and merchandising direction.
Requirements:
- Minimum 15 years of experience in product, merchandising, or buying within fashion/apparel/fast fashion, including at least 5 years in a CPO, VP Product, or equivalent group-level leadership role.
- Strong preference for candidates with global product leadership experience in international fast fashion brands such as Zara/Inditex, Uniqlo/Fast Retailing, H&M, Mango, ASOS, etc.
- Proven end-to-end ownership of the fast fashion product lifecycle (design, buying, pattern making, production, logistics).
- Experience building cross-border product systems from scratch, with familiarity in China–Europe or China–US collaboration models.
- Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of regional consumer preferences, pricing strategies, and category dynamics. Demonstrated cross-cultural leadership capability, managing international design and buying teams across regions.
- Fluent or native-level business English; Mandarin is a plus.
- Willingness to be based in London and travel frequently across regions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Product Officer in Slough
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Atomic Recruitment SEA!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Atomic Recruitment SEA.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Atomic Recruitment SEA.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Atomic Recruitment SEA!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Atomic Recruitment SEA.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Atomic Recruitment SEA!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Atomic Recruitment SEA. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Recruitment SEA
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
