At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy for European & American markets, overseeing design, buying, and production.
- Company: Dynamic fast fashion brand with a global presence and innovative approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of fashion.
- Other info: Based in London with opportunities for career advancement and global collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the fast fashion industry while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in product/merchandising, with strong leadership and cross-cultural skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
- Job Responsibilities
- As the Head of European Product Design Centre, oversee the overall product strategy for UR's European & American product portfolio, taking charge of five core functions: Merchandising, Design, Buying, Pattern Making and Production.
- Formulate merchandise strategy, define product DNA, category architecture, price tiers and merchandise differentiation strategies for regional markets.
- Oversee the end-to-end merchandise closed loop: Design → Buy → Launch → Track → React → Review, to enable Fast Reaction capabilities.
- Lead merchandise planning and OTB (Open-to-Buy) governance for Europe & Americas, and be accountable for key KPIs including inventory turnover, gross margin, sell-through rate and hit rate of bestsellers.
- Drive systematic upgrades in pattern development, production and fabric trend research, and build a global supply chain network.
- Liaise with logistics teams to ensure efficient fulfilment from production facilities to global physical stores and e-commerce channels.
- Lead organisational development of the product division, attract and cultivate international product talents.
- Participate in group strategic decision-making, acting as the core strategic advisor on product and merchandising matters.
- Job Requirements
- Minimum 15 years of experience in product, merchandising or buying within apparel / fast fashion industry; at least 5 years of experience at CPO / VP Product or Group Head of Product level.
- Prior experience as global product lead at international fast fashion brand is preferred.
- Proven capability to manage the full fast fashion merchandise value chain (Design – Buying – Pattern Making – Production – Logistics).
- Experience building cross-border product systems from scratch, with familiarity in China-Europe / China-US design collaboration models.
- Strong commercial acumen, with in-depth understanding of consumer aesthetics, pricing and category structures across regional markets.
- Cross-cultural leadership skills to manage multicultural design and buying teams spanning China, Europe and the US.
- Business fluent or native-level English; Chinese language proficiency is a bonus.
- Based in London on a permanent basis, and available for frequent cross-border business travel.
Director of Product / VP in Slough employer: FMG
Urban Revivo is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and creative work culture, perfect for those passionate about visual merchandising in the fashion retail sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, team members are encouraged to innovate and contribute to shaping the brand's visual identity across the UK. The fast-paced environment not only offers exciting challenges but also provides unique opportunities to make a significant impact on customer experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Product / VP 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 FMG!
✨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 FMG.
✨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 FMG.
✨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 FMG!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Product / VP in Slough
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 FMG.
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 FMG!
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 FMG. 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 FMG
✨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!
