At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and digital acceleration for a multi-award-winning fashion retailer.
- Company: Join a renowned independent fashion brand with over 40 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Flexible fractional role, competitive pay, and the chance to shape the future of fashion.
- Other info: Opportunity to work remotely with occasional travel, driving international expansion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal leadership role at a transformative time.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a senior executive in retail or fashion, with strong capital-raising skills.
Role Title: Fractional Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Remote (UK-based), with travel to Northern England (approximately 1x per month or quarterly, to be negotiated)
Commitment: Approximately 3+ days per month
Remuneration: £700 per day (plus full package negotiable)
Contract Type: Fixed-term / Fractional / Part-time (with potential to scale)
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the CompanyWe are a multi-award-winning independent fashion retailer, founded 40+ years ago, offering both men’s and women’s designer clothing, shoes and accessories. With a reputation for curating a best-in-class mix of globally celebrated luxury labels alongside hard-to-find emerging brands, the company has become a destination for discerning style-led customers. It operates both a strong bricks-and-mortar presence and a growing international online business.
The business is helmed by its founders—a husband-and-wife team—who have built the business from a single womenswear store in 40+ years ago, through to multiple boutiques and a thriving online platform. Their entrepreneurial spirit, relentless eye for product and global sourcing, and industry-recognised achievements (including the founder receiving a lifetime-achievement award) underpin the brand culture and ambition for the next growth phase.
The opportunity: to join as Fractional CEO and lead the next chapter of this independent fashion icon—driving strategic growth, digital acceleration, international expansion, and value creation.
The OpportunityThis is truly a career-defining role. Working alongside the owner-directors, you will act as the strategic captain of the ship at a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. The business has had its challenges (as many independent fashion retailers have) but is now entering a period of accelerated growth, especially online; you will be tasked with converting that momentum into sustainable scale, profitability and enterprise value.
In this fractional role you will bring high-level leadership, investment-readiness, and commercial rigour—while preserving the unique independent, curated, design-led DNA of the business.
Key Responsibilities- Define and execute the company’s strategic growth roadmap, aligned with the founders’ vision and evolving market dynamics.
- Lead the business through a phase of expansion: growing online sales & international shipping, and enhancing the multi-channel retail footprint.
- Secure strategic investment or capital partnerships to fund growth, digital infrastructure and potential M&A or strategic acquisitions.
- Optimize the full P&L: improving EBITDA margins, enhancing commercial performance and increasing enterprise value.
- Ensure operations, supply chain, logistics (UK warehouse) and brand partnerships are fit for scale.
- Drive brand-and-culture alignment across physical stores, online, concessions and wholesale channels.
- Build high-performing leadership teams, setting KPIs, governance and reporting frameworks appropriate for growth and investment readiness.
- Act as key liaison between founders/owners, investors, board (if applicable), senior leadership and external stakeholders (capital markets, advisors).
- A senior executive (former MD or CEO) with a proven track-record in UK retail or fashion brand business—ideally household names.
- Demonstrable experience in raising growth capital and/or executing M&A for mid-sized retail businesses.
- Strong experience in multi-channel retail: e-commerce (DTC), wholesale, concessions, physical stores and marketplace models.
- Strategic mindset combined with commercial discipline: you can turn vision into execution, and deliver improved margins and enterprise value.
- Excellent stakeholder-management skills: you are comfortable working with founders, investors, board members, and operational teams.
- Passion for designer fashion, curation, brand discovery and independent retail DNA is preferred.
- Comfortable with a fractional role (approx. 3+ days/month) and able to operate remotely while travelling periodically for key store/warehouse/team meetings.
Secure Growth Funding: Raise a significant sum of growth capital (or equivalent strategic investment) within 6-9 months to fund digital and international expansion initiatives.
Online & International Sales Acceleration: Increase online revenue by 30+% year-on-year, and grow international (outside UK) revenue from existing ~20 % share to 30 % within 12 months.
Improve EBITDA Margin & Enterprise Value: Improve overall EBITDA margin by several percentage points by year-end, and implement a clear enterprise-value improvement plan (including inventory optimisation, cost base review, and scalable infrastructure).
Why This Role Matters- You join a multi-award-winning fashion business with a distinguished heritage and strong brand equity.
- You will work alongside entrepreneurial founders who have deep product knowledge, a global sourcing mindset, and a highly curated designer offering.
- You have the autonomy to lead and shape the future of the business at a transformational time—without being a full-time CEO, giving flexibility and high impact.
- This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful company value, set the strategic direction, and leave a legacy as the executive who powered the next growth chapter of an independent fashion icon.
We are looking for a stand-out candidate at the peak of their career who brings with them a lifetime of experience, a CV packed with well-known names large & small and a strong network. We need capability, expertise and visionary strategic capability to elevate this bellwether independent to new heights.
Fractional CEO of Multi-Award-winning, Long Established Milti-Brand Designer Clothing Retailer - Online & Bricks & Mortar in Telford employer: LoveMy Network
Join a multi-award-winning independent fashion retailer that has been a staple in the industry for over 40 years, offering a unique blend of luxury and emerging brands. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a culture that values entrepreneurial spirit, you will have the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives while enjoying the flexibility of a fractional role. This position not only allows you to make a significant impact on the company's future but also offers a collaborative environment with passionate founders dedicated to innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional CEO of Multi-Award-winning, Long Established Milti-Brand Designer Clothing Retailer - Online & Bricks & Mortar in Telford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry folks! Attend fashion events, trade shows, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role as a Fractional CEO.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a personal brand that highlights your experience in retail and fashion. Share insights on social media or write articles about industry trends. This will position you as a thought leader and attract attention from potential employers.
✨Leverage LinkedIn
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is top-notch! Connect with decision-makers in the fashion industry and engage with their content. A strong online presence can lead to opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we love seeing candidates who are proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional CEO of Multi-Award-winning, Long Established Milti-Brand Designer Clothing Retailer - Online & Bricks & Mortar in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion:When writing your application, let your love for designer fashion shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our brand's ethos and the unique independent retail DNA that we cherish.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in retail and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can turn vision into execution, so showcase those skills clearly!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a fractional role, it’s important to be upfront about your availability. Let us know how you plan to manage the commitment of approximately 3+ days per month, including any travel arrangements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LoveMy Network
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and product offerings. Understand their unique selling points and what sets them apart in the fashion retail landscape. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that led to growth or improved margins. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in the retail sector, especially in e-commerce and international expansion.
✨Engage with Founders' Vision
The founders have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, so demonstrate your understanding of their journey and how you can contribute to their next chapter. Discuss how you can preserve their brand's DNA while driving growth, showing that you respect their legacy.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Scenarios
Given the role's emphasis on liaising with various stakeholders, think of scenarios where you've effectively managed relationships with investors, board members, or operational teams. Highlight your communication skills and ability to align diverse interests towards common goals.
