At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic client partnerships and drive growth in the fashion/lifestyle sector.
- Company: Dynamic agency focused on innovation and client success.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Join a culture that values diversity and offers excellent career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion marketing while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: 6-8+ years in client leadership with a passion for fashion and digital innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking a visionary, commercially driven, and strategically minded Business Director with experience within the Fashion/Lifestyle sector. Reporting to the MD, you will be the senior strategic lead across high-value accounts, responsible for driving client growth, shaping long-term strategy, and unlocking new opportunities. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader who thrives on building deep client partnerships, guiding strategic direction, and influencing agency-wide thinking. You will oversee a team of Account Directors, Managers, and Executives, ensuring they are empowered to deliver best-in-class work while you focus on high-level client development, innovation, and business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Client Leadership
- Act as the senior strategic partner for key clients within the fashion/lifestyle sector, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Lead the development of long-term client strategies that align with business goals and market trends.
- Drive client growth through proactive identification of new opportunities, upselling, and cross‑selling.
- Lead quarterly and annual strategic planning sessions with clients, delivering insight‑led recommendations.
- Champion the agency’s full creative, social, and influencer offering in a compelling and future‑facing way.
- Business Growth & Commercial Oversight
- Own revenue forecasting, growth planning, and commercial performance of the client hub.
- Lead high‑value new business pitches and strategic responses to briefs.
- Collaborate with the leadership team on agency‑wide growth initiatives and innovation.
- Ensure profitability and commercial efficiency across all client engagements.
- Strategic Oversight of Campaigns
- Guide the strategic direction of campaigns, ensuring alignment with client objectives and market dynamics.
- Partner with Strategy, Creative, and Paid Media teams to shape integrated, insight‑driven campaigns.
- Oversee campaign performance at a macro level, ensuring consistent delivery of business results.
- Leadership & Culture
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of Account Directors and Managers, fostering a high‑performance culture.
- Ensure the team is aligned with agency values and equipped to deliver strategic excellence.
- Support talent development, succession planning, and team structure optimisation.
- Industry Influence
- Represent the agency at industry events, panels, and thought leadership forums.
- Stay ahead of trends in social, digital, and the creator economy to inform client strategies.
What We’re Looking For
- 6-8+ years of experience in client leadership roles within a creative, digital, or social agency.
- Proven track record of growing client accounts within Fashion/Lifestyle and leading strategic transformation.
- Deep understanding of social media, influencer marketing, and digital innovation.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in forecasting, budgeting, and business planning.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
- A strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and client success.
- Proficient in business tools including Keynote, Excel, and Google Workspace.
What you’ll get
- Dynamic working: To keep that work‑life harmony in check, we're flexible on where and when you work.
- Private medical insurance: To keep you fighting fit and give you and your family peace of mind.
- Income protection: We know it feels good to be covered, just in case.
- Calm Subscription: Now more than ever, it’s important to mind your mind!
- 25 days annual leave: This increases to 27 days after three years with us, and then increases every subsequent year up to a max. of 30 days.
- Christmas closure: No need to save holiday days for the Christmas closure period. It's on us!
- Birthdays off: One extra day to celebrate your big day.
- Summer hours: Between June and Aug we finish at 15.00 every Friday.
- Online coaching and mental health support: Unlimited via OpenUp.
- Remote Working: Work abroad for up to one month a year.
- Performance & Salary: Reviewed twice a year for everyone.
Finally, we’re proud and committed to being an equal opportunity workplace, providing equal opportunities for all and treating all existing employees and all job applicants in the same way, regardless of their age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity status and marital & civil partnership status.
Business Director (Fashion/Lifestyle) employer: SocialChain
As a leading agency in the Fashion/Lifestyle sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional growth, we offer extensive benefits including flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave, ensuring our team members can achieve a healthy work-life balance while driving innovation and client success. Join us to be part of a collaborative environment where your strategic vision will shape the future of our high-value accounts and influence industry trends.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Director (Fashion/Lifestyle)
✨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 SocialChain!
✨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 SocialChain.
✨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 SocialChain.
✨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 SocialChain!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Director (Fashion/Lifestyle)
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 SocialChain.
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 SocialChain!
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 SocialChain. 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 SocialChain
✨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!
