Job Description

Who We Are:

We are HTL Fashion, a proud member of the Li & Fung family, we are a global leader in the design, development, and sourcing of consumer goods for the fashion and apparel industry. With over 118 years of supply chain expertise, our operations encompass everything from product design and production management to quality control and shipping. Our unique approach of working "As One" allows us to integrate diverse sectors of the retail market efficiently and effectively.

About the Role:

The Account Manager is responsible for managing and developing business sales and profitability budgets through the initiation and development of new product ranges that meet the commercial requirements of our customers.

The role requires a strategic approach to account management, bringing innovation and efficiency while ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Key Responsibilities:

Constantly develop new product ranges that ensure continuity to business requirements and effectively satisfy customer needs. Maintain an in-depth understanding of the customer's overall business requirements and plans, maximizing opportunities to gain further business. Control and manage costs in line with agreed budget levels, including travel, samples, and freight costs. Identify opportunities to improve values and generate cost savings throughout the development process. Evaluate and interpret market trends to initiate and drive new material and component development consistent with market direction. Negotiate costs and selling prices of each product in line with agreed targets, creating costings and overseeing progress to final approval. Monitor and ensure that the operating costs of the Product Team Design functions remain within budgeted expenditure levels. Collaborate closely with the design team to ensure that the correct product is being developed at the right time for the customer. Undertake any reasonable additional duties as requested or delegated by management.

Company Specific Accountabilities:

Communicate effectively and build positive relationships with stakeholders as the primary point of contact for client dealings. Assume overall responsibility for all account activity, ensuring qualitative and timely delivery of agreed assignments. Effectively communicate with all personnel involved with client accounts, ensuring job-related documentation is accurately filed and updated. Compile and contribute to the development of effective design briefs, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness. Maintain a strong understanding of basic design principles and service-level processes (B2B or B2C). Efficiently manage conflict or disagreements, ensuring expectations are managed and relationships strengthened. Ensure compliance of all product-related activities with relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., Health & Safety). Attend company, team, and project-related meetings to enhance understanding and business knowledge. Develop, train, and mentor new employees to help them gain the competence required for various tasks. Maintain a clean and safe working environment according to company H&S procedures. Foster an atmosphere of trust, fairness, cooperation, and teamwork to contribute to the business's success. Share expertise with all teams to gain a competitive advantage for the business. Act as an ambassador for the company at all times.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field is essential.

Relevant Experience:

Minimum three years of experience working with a retailer or in a similar role with another supplier. Experience in working with customers who have short lead times, with a focus on speed to market. Previous experience with multiple products, including the ability to work across both jersey and wovens. Capability to demonstrate confidence, agility, and determination in managing projects from inception to completion. Lateral thinking ability to ensure processes are managed efficiently and delivered on-time with a "right first time" approach.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in time management and organisation. Strong negotiation and costing skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Personal Attributes:

Positive mental attitude with a "can-do" mindset. Adaptability to work both in a team and independently. Effective communicator capable of engaging various audiences. Dexterous and agile with strong attention to detail. Patience and passion for mentoring, coupled with a willingness to share knowledge and expertise. The Account Manager plays a crucial role in the success of HTL Fashion by managing and developing business sales and profitability budgets through the initiation and development of new product ranges that meet the commercial requirements of our customer.
Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London NW1