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Course Director: BSc (Hons) Fashion Management and Strategy 

Location: UKMC  

Contract: Full-time, permanent (subject to probation)   

Salary: Competitive 

Role Summary  

The Course Director will provide academic leadership for the BSc (Hons) Fashion Management and Strategy , a values-driven degree designed to prepare future leaders for the global fashion and lifestyle industries. This role involves overseeing the teaching, curriculum development, and delivery of the course, ensuring high-quality student learning experiences and strong graduate outcomes. The Course Director will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the course, related academic staff, and students, ensuring that the curriculum remains up to date, coherent, and aligned with the needs of the industry. 

The Course Director will lead and motivate a team of academics, drawing on a strong track record in teaching and supporting students across all levels. The post-holder will actively engage in scholarship and industry-related knowledge exchange, addressing contemporary changes in fashion business and strategy. The role also requires collaboration with colleagues across UKMC, Partner University, and industry partners to maintain the academic and professional standing of the programme. 

Key Activities and Responsibilities  

Management and Performance of the Course  

• Take responsibility for the academic performance and quality of the BSc (Hons) Fashion Management and Strategy, responding to key metrics, external examiner feedback, and student evaluations. 
• Lead course team meetings, course committees, and prepare for examination boards. 
• Undertake day-to-day course management including lesson planning, teaching, curriculum development, and assessment design and administration. 
• Ensure effective arrangements for recruitment, admissions, timetabling, induction, and ongoing student engagement, working closely with administrative and academic colleagues. 
• Maintain strong professional links with the fashion and lifestyle industries, embedding contemporary practice, ethical leadership, and sustainability into the course. 
• Manage the course across multiple delivery modes, including evenings and weekends, with appropriate support in place. 
• Support the engagement, retention, and progression of students to ensure high levels of attainment and employability outcomes. 
• Undertake personal professional development and ensure academic staff on the course receive appropriate training, mentoring, and support. 

Curriculum Development  

• Contribute to the development, review, and innovation of the curriculum, ensuring alignment with industry trends, sustainability, and values-based management. 
• Lead on course validation, accreditation, and monitoring activities. 
• Support cross-disciplinary approaches to teaching, fostering collaboration with creative and business-focused courses. 

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment  

• Manage the overall teaching and assessment programme on the course. 
• Take lead responsibility for implementing the College’s teaching, learning, and assessment policies at course level. 
• Enhance students’ learning experiences by integrating digital technologies, innovative pedagogy, and practice-based learning. 
• Embed project-based learning and placement opportunities, ensuring students are equipped with both creative and financial management skills. 

Quality Assurance  

• Produce annual course monitoring reports and contribute to quality assurance processes to drive continuous improvement. 
• Promote and maintain high academic and professional standards in teaching, delivery, and assessment. 
• Monitor student progress and achievement, ensuring records are maintained and actions are taken to address any gaps. 
• Ensure compliance with expectations of the OfS, partner university regulations, and wider sector standards. 

Other Duties  

• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the College that are consistent with the nature of the role. 

Requirements  

Qualifications and Education  

• Essential: A relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualification in fashion business, management, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. 
• Essential: Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (or willingness to achieve this during probation). 
• Desirable: PhD or other higher research qualification. 
• Desirable: Teaching qualification (PGCert or equivalent) – successful candidates without one will be supported to complete this in post. 

Knowledge and Skills  

• Essential: Commitment to understanding and supporting the diverse experiences of students. 
• Essential: Ability to motivate colleagues and work collaboratively with staff, students, and external partners. 
• Essential: Ability to design, deliver, and assess at degree level, with an understanding of values-based approaches to management. 
• Essential: Knowledge of assessment practice and feedback in higher education. 
• Essential: Strong professional networks within the fashion or lifestyle industries. 
• Essential: Excellent organisational, workload management, and communication skills. 
• Essential: Competence with IT and digital learning technologies. 
• Essential: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Desirable: Recognised authority in fashion management, strategy, or ethical business practices. 
• Desirable: Ability to develop and mentor academic colleagues to achieve shared goals. 

Experience  

• Experience of teaching and assessment in higher education, preferably with widening participation students. 
• Experience of course leadership and managing academic teams, curriculum, and quality assurance processes. 
• Experience of teaching and/or professional practice in fashion business, management, or strategy. 
• Evidence of research, knowledge exchange, or industry practice relevant to fashion management and strategy, with an emphasis on ethics and sustainability. 
• Experience of effective resource and time management. 
• Experience of resolving complex or confidential matters in line with institutional policy. 
• Experience of contributing to long-term planning and course development. 

• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and sales data to identify new product opportunities and potential risks.
• Develop and execute seasonal buying strategies aligned with brand identity and commercial objectives.
• Source and evaluate potential suppliers, building strong, long-term relationships.
• Negotiate prices, payment terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve optimal margins and ensure timely delivery.
• Manage the product lifecycle from initial concept and sample selection through to final product delivery.
• Collaborate closely with the Merchandising, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising teams to ensure cohesive product presentation and promotional activities.
• Manage the budget and financial planning for your designated product categories.
• Monitor stock levels and implement effective inventory management strategies to minimize markdowns and maximize sell-through.
• Travel to trade shows, international markets, and supplier factories as required.
• Present buying plans and performance reports to senior management.
• Ensure products meet quality, ethical, and sustainability standards.

• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within the fashion retail industry.
• A strong understanding of the UK fashion market and consumer behaviour.
• Demonstrated ability to identify fashion trends and translate them into commercial product assortments.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and numerical abilities, with proficiency in Excel and retail math.
• Experience with buying systems and inventory management software.
• A keen eye for detail, quality, and commercial viability.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Flexibility to travel as needed.

• Drive store sales performance to meet or exceed targets through effective leadership and sales strategies.
• Manage all aspects of store operations, including visual merchandising, inventory management, and loss prevention.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and develop a high-calibre team of sales associates and assistant managers.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive and memorable shopping experience for all customers.
• Implement and maintain visual merchandising standards to create an appealing store environment.
• Manage store budget, including payroll, stock control, and operational expenses.
• Analyse sales reports and KPIs to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture, promoting brand values and excellent communication.
• Represent the brand effectively within the local community.

• Proven experience as a Retail Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or similar leadership role within fashion or premium retail.
• Demonstrable track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, visual merchandising, and stock management.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and coaching skills.
• Passionate about fashion and understanding of current trends.
• Exceptional customer service skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding client experiences.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in retail POS systems and basic financial reporting.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Manage daily store operations, including staff scheduling, inventory management, visual merchandising, and loss prevention.
• Drive sales and achieve store revenue targets through effective leadership and strategic planning.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service, building strong client relationships and fostering brand loyalty.
• Implement and maintain store visual merchandising standards to create an appealing and luxurious shopping environment.
• Manage stock levels, oversee deliveries, and conduct regular inventory counts.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and analyze sales data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback in a professional and timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations.
• Act as a brand ambassador, embodying the values and ethos of the luxury brand.

• Previous experience as a Retail Manager, Assistant Manager, or equivalent in a luxury or high-end retail environment.
• Proven track record of successfully meeting and exceeding sales targets.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent understanding of luxury fashion trends and customer service expectations.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in retail management software and POS systems.
• A keen eye for visual merchandising and store presentation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Passion for the luxury fashion industry.
• A degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field is advantageous.

At boohooMAN, we're redefining menswear with bold style, fearless innovation, and a fresh take on fashion that sets us apart from the rest.

With a focus on streetwear, tracksuits & going-out-gear, product is everything to us and we don't do anything substandard, not now, not ever

We pay attention to detail, and we keep our products on-point to ensure our customers 'fits are consistently on lock. We're constantly responding and reacting to stay ahead of the game and deliver you the best in fashion 24/7.

THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced Buyer (ideally menswear experience), who will work as part of our boohooMAN buying team supporting our Jersey category (Tees, Hoodies, Tracksuits, Joggers etc). Please note this is not a procurement buying role and does require somebody with fashion buying experience.

This is a hands on role and you'll be involved in everything from product strategy and development to delivery and trading. You'll make informed decisions using insight and experience, and drive initiatives that push the category forward both creatively and commercially.

You'll ensure product sign-offs meet the highest standards and manage key supplier relationships to deliver on-time, trend-relevant ranges. You'll also take responsibility for the performance and development of your team, creating a high-performance culture built on collaboration and pace.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Lead and own the product strategy, planning and trading for your category
• Manage range builds and sign-off meetings with Heads of and Senior Leadership
• Work with Design to develop innovative, trend-led product that meets customer demand
• Own the critical path and ensure smooth sample flow, approvals and delivery
• Oversee cost negotiations and ensure margin targets are achieved or exceeded
• Partner with Merchandising on frameworks, SWOTs and OTB planning
• React to trade performance with decisive actions including rebuys, cancellations and swaps
• Manage and motivate your team, ensuring clarity of roles, progression and performance
• Maintain supplier relationships and regularly review performance, pricing and capacity
• Represent your category in business-wide meetings and contribute to brand-wide projects
• Lead sourcing of new suppliers and complete category-level cross cost analysis
• Ensure online accuracy and presentation by working closely with studio and ecommerce
• Collaborate on marketing and campaign briefs to align category priorities

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Extensive experience as a Junior Buyer or existing Buyer in a fast-paced fashion business
• Strong commercial acumen and confident leadership of range performance and trade actions
• Proven track record in cost negotiations, supplier management, and product development
• Strong analytical, decision-making and forecasting skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
• Proficiency in Excel and reporting tools; deep understanding of WSSI and open costing
• Team leadership experience including coaching, development and delegation

• Sharp eye for fashion trends and streetwear customer expectations

• You lead with confidence, taking ownership of decisions and being accountable for outcomes

• You take commercial risks and learn quickly from the results
• You challenge your team to improve and drive continuous development

• You operate with speed and clarity, adapting swiftly to business needs

• You bring creative direction to your category and inspire new thinking across your team

• You collaborate with design to translate macro trends into strong, relevant collections
• You continuously improve processes, templates and ways of working

• You create a culture where product innovation and individuality are encouraged

• You build a collaborative and supportive team culture

• You act as a mentor and coach to your team, helping them progress with confidence
• You work cross-functionally and communicate clearly across all levels of the business
• You uphold our brand values around inclusion, sustainability and professional integrity

WORKING WITH US

At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy

We don't stand still - we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we're on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.

We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you're someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you'll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

Be bold. Be creative. Be a community.

WHY JOIN US

2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.

Let's lead the change together.

Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance

• 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams

• A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle

• Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression

• On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily

• Free season ticket loan

• Develop and implement a clear buying strategy aligned with the company's brand vision and commercial objectives, covering specific fashion categories.
• Conduct extensive market research, trend forecasting, and competitor analysis to identify new opportunities and inform buying decisions.
• Source, evaluate, and select new suppliers and products, ensuring they meet quality, ethical, and commercial standards.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to maximize margin and ensure timely product availability.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle from initial selection and ordering through to in-season trading and end-of-life management.
• Collaborate closely with the merchandising, marketing, and design teams to ensure cohesive product offerings and successful launch campaigns.
• Analyze sales data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor stock levels, identify bestsellers and slow-moving lines, and optimize inventory performance.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with a diverse range of international and domestic suppliers.
• Travel to trade shows, supplier showrooms, and potentially overseas markets to discover new trends and products.
• Present buying plans, performance reviews, and market insights to senior management on a regular basis.
• Contribute to the development and mentoring of junior buyers and assistant buyers within the team.

• Proven experience as a Fashion Buyer, ideally within a high-volume retail environment, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful collections.
• A comprehensive understanding of fashion trends, fabrics, garment construction, and the global fashion market.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and commercial skills.
• Strong ability to interpret sales data and translate insights into actionable buying strategies.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, and experience with retail management systems.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field is advantageous.