At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and collaborate with international fashion partners to drive growth.
- Company: Join Smiley, a top global lifestyle brand known for creativity and optimism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the fashion industry while working with iconic brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion product management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
ABOUT SMILEY
As one of the world’s top award-winning licensors, The Smiley Company collaborates with over 260 licensees and leading retail partners globally to bring the iconic Smiley brands to life across fashion, home, and entertainment. For nearly 50 years, Smiley has inspired optimism and creativity through culturally relevant products and partnerships. We are a fast-moving, collaborative business that values creativity, inclusivity, commercial thinking, and innovation. Today, Smiley is more than an icon — it is a global lifestyle brand with a strong presence across international fashion markets.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a commercially driven and trend-focused Product Manager to join our Fashion Division, overseeing key territories including the UK, USA, Germany, and Turkey. This role is responsible for driving product strategy, assortment planning, and partner collaboration across multiple fashion categories and regional markets. The ideal candidate combines strong fashion product expertise with commercial insight, market awareness, and the ability to manage international relationships across diverse retail landscapes. Working closely with licensees, retailers, design, marketing, and sales teams, you will ensure that product ranges align with both global brand direction and regional consumer trends while delivering sustainable business growth. This is a dynamic, fast-paced international role requiring agility, strong communication skills, and a passion for fashion and consumer products.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead seasonal product strategy and assortment planning across the UK, USA, Germany, and Turkey markets.
- Manage and develop relationships with international fashion licensees and retail partners to drive commercial growth and category expansion.
- Analyse market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to identify new product opportunities and regional market needs.
- Oversee product development from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines, pricing architecture, and retailer requirements.
- Collaborate with design, merchandising, and sales teams to build commercially successful fashion collections across multiple categories.
- Support retail sell-in processes through product presentations, range planning, and strategic recommendations tailored to regional markets.
- Monitor sales performance, forecasting, and inventory trends to optimise product assortments and improve profitability.
- Partner with marketing teams on campaign planning and regional activations to maximise product visibility and commercial impact.
- Work cross-functionally with legal and finance teams to support licensing agreements, forecasting, budgeting, and business planning.
- Ensure clear communication and alignment between global brand objectives and local market execution.
REQUIREMENTS
- Proven experience in fashion product management, licensing, merchandising, or category management within an international environment.
- Strong understanding of the UK, USA, Germany, and/or Turkey fashion retail markets.
- Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to interpret sales data, market insights, and consumer trends to inform decision-making.
- Experience managing international partners, retailers, or licensees across multiple territories.
- Strong knowledge of product lifecycle management, assortment planning, and pricing strategy.
- Ability to balance creative brand vision with commercial objectives.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional working experience.
- Fashion industry experience within licensing or branded consumer products is highly desirable.
- Additional language skills, particularly German or Turkish, would be advantageous.
Partnership Strategy Manager employer: Smiley Company
At The Smiley Company, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and inclusive employer that fosters creativity and innovation within the fashion industry. Our collaborative work culture encourages personal and professional growth, offering employees the opportunity to engage with international markets and diverse retail partners. With a strong commitment to sustainability and commercial success, we empower our team members to drive impactful product strategies while enjoying the benefits of working in a fast-paced, globally recognised brand environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnership Strategy Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the fashion industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about who you know, and we can help you find those connections.
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get that interview, let your love for fashion shine through! Share your insights on current trends and how they relate to Smiley's brand. We want to see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute to our creative vision.
✨Prepare for the Unexpected
Interviews can throw curveballs, so be ready for anything! Brush up on your knowledge of the UK, USA, Germany, and Turkey markets, and think about how you’d tackle challenges in those regions. We appreciate candidates who can think on their feet!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Smiley family.
We think you need these skills to ace Partnership Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion:When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with the industry, whether it's through previous roles or personal projects. We want to see that you live and breathe fashion!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Partnership Strategy Manager role. Highlight your experience in product management and international markets, especially in the UK, USA, Germany, and Turkey. We appreciate candidates who take the time to align their skills with our needs.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves analysing market trends and consumer behaviour, include any relevant data or insights you've worked with in your application. Show us how you've used data to drive decisions and achieve results in your past roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love creativity, make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. A well-organised application reflects your ability to manage multiple projects effectively, which is key for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiley Company
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the fashion retail markets of the UK, USA, Germany, and Turkey. Understand current trends, key players, and consumer behaviours in these regions. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you've used sales data and market insights in previous roles to drive product strategy. Bring specific examples of how your decisions led to commercial growth or successful product launches. This will demonstrate your ability to balance creativity with business objectives.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share experiences where you successfully collaborated with design, marketing, or sales teams. Emphasise your communication skills and how you’ve managed relationships with international partners or retailers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in product management or partner collaboration. Think about potential scenarios related to assortment planning or market entry strategies, and prepare structured responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
