At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business opportunities and build partnerships in the fashion industry.
- Company: Join OMNES, a sustainable women's fashion brand making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and growth potential.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a growing team and shape the brand's future.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to transform the fashion industry for a better future.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and a strong network in fashion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
OMNES is a modern, sustainable and cost-conscious women’s fashion brand, designing ethically crafted clothing. OMNES means ‘all’, a reflection of the fact that we all need to work together to change the way we shop, wear and think about fashion. OMNES focuses on timeless designs with playful pops of print and colour and a considered approach to how their pieces fit bodies of all shapes and sizes. OMNES was founded in London in 2021 to address the gap in access to better wardrobe choices and create a brand that would speak to this unmet need. The fashion industry is one of the world’s most prolific polluters, with millions of tonnes of textiles ending up in landfill every year, and global supply chain workers being underpaid and exploited. The detrimental impact is vast, and improving the ways it operates could make a truly positive difference to the future of our planet and global community. OMNES strives to act as a responsible global citizen, treating the Earth with respect, and aiming to contribute to its repair.
The role is a senior commercial position for someone who can open doors, build meaningful relationships and convert opportunities into profitable, long-term revenue streams. You will work closely with the CEO, Head of Buying, Merchandising, Marketing and Finance teams to shape OMNES’ growth strategy beyond our owned channels. You will be responsible for developing a clear pipeline of opportunities, negotiating commercial agreements and ensuring partnerships are launched and managed successfully. This is not a purely strategic role; you will be expected to be hands-on: prospecting, pitching, negotiating, building business cases and owning relationships day to day.
Key responsibilities
- New business and partnerships: Identify and secure new opportunities across wholesale, department stores, marketplaces, international distributors, franchise partners and strategic collaborations. Build and maintain a high-quality pipeline of prospective partners, with clear revenue, margin and launch timelines. Lead outreach, meetings, presentations and commercial negotiations with senior external stakeholders. Develop partnership proposals that clearly set out commercial opportunity, brand positioning, investment requirements and profitability. Represent OMNES at relevant trade shows, industry events and partner meetings where required.
- Wholesale and marketplace growth: Develop and deliver a clear wholesale and marketplace growth plan in line with OMNES’ brand and financial targets. Identify the right partners for the brand, balancing revenue opportunity with brand positioning, margin and operational complexity. Negotiate commercial terms including margin, payment terms, marketing support, exclusivity, returns, markdown support and launch commitments. Work closely with Merchandising and Buying to ensure product, pricing, option counts and delivery windows are appropriate for each partner. Support account growth plans for key existing partners, identifying opportunities to improve sales, sell-through and profitability.
- International expansion: Assess and prioritise international markets for future growth. Build market-entry plans, including potential wholesale, marketplace, distributor, franchise and retail partnership routes. Develop relationships with relevant international partners and advisors. Ensure any international opportunity is commercially robust, operationally achievable and aligned with the long-term brand strategy.
- Commercial planning and reporting: Build clear business cases for new opportunities, including revenue, margin, investment, operational requirements and cash-flow implications. Own forecasting and reporting for business-development revenue channels. Track performance against targets, identifying risks and opportunities early. Prepare regular updates for the CEO and leadership team on pipeline, commercial progress and priority actions. Work closely with Finance to ensure deals are structured appropriately and commercially viable.
- Internal leadership: Act as the central point of contact internally for new commercial opportunities. Work closely with Marketing and Brand on launch plans, partner activations and commercial storytelling. Partner with Operations and Logistics to ensure new accounts and channels can be delivered effectively. Help establish the processes, tools and commercial discipline needed to scale the business-development function. Build and manage a small team over time as the function grows.
About you: Significant experience in business development, wholesale, partnerships or commercial growth within fashion, lifestyle, retail or a relevant consumer brand. Strong existing network across department stores, premium wholesale, marketplaces, distributors and retail partners. A proven track record of winning and growing commercially meaningful accounts or partnerships. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, founder-led business where priorities can move quickly. Commercially rigorous, with the ability to assess margin, revenue, cost, cash-flow and operational implications of a deal. Confident negotiator with strong judgement around when to push, compromise or walk away. Excellent presentation and communication skills, both internally and externally. Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple opportunities at different stages simultaneously. Ambitious, energetic and genuinely excited by helping build a high-growth fashion business.
What success looks like: A clear, prioritised pipeline of high-quality commercial opportunities. New partnerships that drive profitable revenue without diluting the OMNES brand. Meaningful growth across wholesale, marketplaces and international channels. Strong commercial discipline around margin, payment terms, returns, markdown exposure and operational feasibility. Trusted senior relationships with key external partners. A scalable business-development function that supports OMNES’ next stage of growth.
Head of New Business Development employer: OMNES
At OMNES, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions sustainability and ethical fashion. Our vibrant London-based team thrives in a collaborative environment where creativity meets purpose, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry while enjoying a supportive culture that values innovation and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of New Business Development
✨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 OMNES!
✨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 OMNES.
✨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 OMNES.
✨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 OMNES!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of New Business Development
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 OMNES.
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 OMNES!
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 OMNES. 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 OMNES
✨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!