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- Tasks: Lead a fashion brand's turnaround and growth strategy while optimising performance.
- Company: Dynamic fashion retailer with a strong online presence across multiple markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and the chance to make a significant impact.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind a brand's revival and future success in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Proven CEO experience in fashion, with a track record of driving growth and efficiencies.
A fashion brand/retailer with approximately £12m turnover, generating 75% of sales via Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) online channels across the UK, Europe, and the US. Following a period of plateau, the business requires a decisive turnaround leader to unlock growth, drive efficiencies, and build a scalable strategy for the future.
We are seeking an experienced Interim CEO with full P&L accountability to diagnose, stabilise, and re-accelerate the business. You will lead a rapid diagnostic of the operating model, identify immediate efficiencies, and execute a clear growth strategy across digital retail, inventory management, and customer acquisition.
Key Responsibilities- Turnaround & Growth: Lead the shift from plateau to profitable growth; refresh the 12-18 month strategic plan.
- Performance Optimisation: Drive improvements in DTC conversion, retention (CRM/Loyalty), and marketing efficiency (ROAS) across UK/EU/US markets.
- Operational Efficiencies: Streamline stock turn, reduce markdown dependency, and improve gross margin without compromising brand equity.
- P&L Ownership: Full accountability for £12m P&L, cash flow, and cost base; deliver swift EBITDA improvements.
- Team & Culture: Provide decisive leadership to the senior team, instilling pace, accountability, and commercial rigour.
- Industry: Proven track record as a CEO, Managing Director, or very senior Commercial Director within a fashion brand or fashion retailer.
- Scale: Led a business with a turnover of £10m - £40m; understands the specific challenges of small-to-mid sized fashion houses.
- Channel Mix: Deep expertise in DTC/e-commerce (80% of sales), including exposure to wholesale/retail stores.
- Markets: Experience trading across the UK, Europe, and US (logistics, returns, currency, marketing).
- Turnaround: Evidence of identifying inefficiencies, restructuring non-value costs, and reigniting growth within a short timeframe.
- Highly analytical and operationally hands-on.
- Commercially ruthless where needed, but brand-aware.
- Able to build immediate credibility with investors and internal teams.
Interim CEO employer: Executive Recruit
Contact Detail:
Executive Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim CEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion industry and let them know you're on the lookout for an Interim CEO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your turnaround experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've successfully diagnosed and revitalised businesses in the past. Numbers speak volumes, so be ready to share those impressive stats!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Research companies that align with your expertise and reach out directly. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your interest in roles like this. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim CEO. Highlight your experience in turnaround situations and your P&L management skills. We want to see how you've driven growth and efficiencies in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the fashion industry and what strategies you implemented to achieve success.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a potential leader, we want to know how you inspire and motivate teams. In your application, give us a glimpse into your leadership style and how you've built a strong team culture in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Executive Recruit
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim CEO, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of P&L management. Brush up on the financials of the company you're interviewing with, and be ready to discuss how you've improved EBITDA in past roles. Show them you can turn numbers into actionable strategies.
✨Showcase Your Turnaround Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led a business through a turnaround. Highlight your ability to identify inefficiencies and implement changes that drive growth. This is your chance to prove you can take them from plateau to profit!
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the fashion retail market, especially in DTC/e-commerce. Be prepared to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the UK, Europe, and US markets. This knowledge will show that you're not just a leader, but a strategic thinker who understands the industry.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Style
The role requires decisive leadership, so think about how you can convey your leadership style during the interview. Share stories that illustrate how you've instilled accountability and pace within teams, and how you've built credibility with both investors and internal teams.