Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Press team with VIP dressing and brand activations for Paul Smith events.
- Company: Join Paul Smith, a leading independent design company known for creativity and positivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a seasonal clothing allowance, and exclusive sample sales.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant culture that values creativity and offers exciting fashion industry exposure.
- Qualifications: High computer literacy, experience in a press office, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies. We champion positivity, curiosity and creativity. These qualities underpin every Paul Smith design, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.
Located at the Paul Smith headquarters in London, the Press & VIP Assistant UK role will support the Press team with all Press and VIP related activities for Paul Smith, including VIP dressing and Paul Smith seasonal shows and events. The role is responsible for supporting in all Press, VIP and Brand activations for all Paul Smith lines, as well as Paul Smith events and the seasonal shows. Working closely in line with the Global Press & VIP team to achieve the brand strategy and focus every season.
The Role
- Work closely with the Press & VIP Press Officer to support with all day to day press and VIP related duties to promote the Paul Smith brand across Menswear, Womenswear, Homeware, Junior, Special Projects and other Paul Smith categories
- Work with the Press & VIP Managers to consolidate the seasonal results into timely reporting documents for evaluation by the Head of department and to communicate to the wider company.
- Support the Press team to continually pinpoint, nurture and develop relations with key target VIPs and their Managers and Publicists to ensure the brand is present within appropriate events and initiatives including VIP attendance to the Paul Smith events and Paul Smith presence at awards ceremonies and red carpet events.
- Manage all sample requests, including send outs and deliveries and ensure the showroom is managed and merchandised efficiently, thoroughly and in time. Support the Global Press & VIP Assistant in their duties to facilitate requests to international teams and franchise markets wherever possible.
- Track all coverage of Paul Smith collections and Special Projects both online and in print for dedicated events and projects as well as day-to-day coverage. Circulate all coverage in an efficient and timely manner. Ensure to be ready for early starts the day after key events to circulate key coverage to HQ.
- Initiate and host showroom appointments with press focusing on the appropriate team members to support the Press & VIP Officer UK in building relationships and generating awareness of Paul Smith. Assist where needed with the organisation of the seasonal show, the organisation of Press days and any other local Brand events as necessary.
- Collate in-house reports as required; daily, weekly, monthly, VIP, trends, events reports and comparative analysis reports in a timely manner with care and attention to detail.
- Work closely with the Digital Marketing team, Sales team and the Stores to keep up to date with latest product offers, delivery dates and other product information.
- Keeping up to date with relevant trends within fashion and culture and share with the wider teams in a timely manner where relevant.
Your Skills And Experience
- High level of computer literacy in Microsoft Office packages.
- Experience working in a press office within the fashion industry.
- Sample Management and working with FGPS experience.
- Experience collating information and creating reports. High degree of competence in report analysis and interpretation of information and data.
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Excellent negotiation skills and interpersonal skills.
Who You Are
- Interest in fashion and knowledge of the UK fashion market.
- Interest and knowledge of the press market, current trends and media.
- Highly self-motivated, helpful and can stay calm under pressure.
- Team worker who can work using own initiative and able to build effective working relationships.
- Creative flair and ability to assess complementary themes.
- Can plan, organise and prioritise.
What’s In It For You
- Hybrid working and flexi-time.
- A generous seasonal clothing allowance.
- A discretionary discount on Paul Smith products.
- Access to exclusive sample sales.
- Wellbeing support through the Retail trust for you and your family.
- Cycle to work and travel loan schemes.
- SmartTech.
- Day for change.
Please note, this role is not eligible for sponsorship in the Skilled Worker visa category.
At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Press & VIP Assistant UK employer: Paul Smith
Contact Detail:
Paul Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press & VIP Assistant UK
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Paul Smith's brand ethos and recent collections. Understanding their 'classic with a twist' philosophy will help you align your approach when discussing the role and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the fashion industry, especially with individuals who have connections to Paul Smith or similar brands. Attend fashion events, shows, and exhibitions to meet potential contacts who could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in both fashion and media. Being knowledgeable about what's happening in the industry will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with sample management and report analysis. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in previous roles, as this will showcase your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Press & VIP Assistant UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the fashion industry, particularly any roles related to press or VIP assistance. Emphasise your skills in sample management and report analysis, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for fashion and your understanding of the UK fashion market. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed press relations or events in the past, showcasing your creativity and organisational skills.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, consider including a brief example in your application that demonstrates your written and verbal communication skills. This could be a successful negotiation or a positive outcome from a press event you organised.
Highlight Teamwork and Initiative: The job requires a team player who can also work independently. In your application, mention instances where you've collaborated effectively with others, as well as times when you've taken the initiative to solve problems or improve processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Paul Smith
✨Show Your Passion for Fashion
Make sure to express your genuine interest in the fashion industry and specifically in Paul Smith's unique style. Familiarise yourself with their collections and be ready to discuss how their 'classic with a twist' philosophy resonates with you.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with VIPs and the press, showcase your excellent verbal and written communication skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships or communicated effectively in previous roles.
✨Be Prepared with Relevant Experience
Highlight your experience in a press office or similar environment within the fashion industry. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've handled, such as sample management or report creation, and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Press & VIP Assistant role.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The role may involve high-pressure situations, especially during events. Share examples from your past where you've maintained composure and effectively managed multiple tasks simultaneously, demonstrating your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
