Author: Michelle Ashton

Categories
Business and Management Retail Operations

Operations

Operations roles in the fashion and retail industry are essential for keeping both physical and online stores running smoothly. From managing inventory and supply chains to ensuring daily store activities align with brand strategy, operations teams focus on delivering efficient processes that enhance the customer experience. These professionals often work from a brand’s head office, supporting store teams, implementing new procedures, and helping reduce environmental impact. They play a key role in making sure products are delivered on time, displayed correctly, and sold efficiently.

Operations careers can range from entry-level logistics coordinators to senior roles like Head of Retail Operations or Business Operations Manager. People in these roles need strong problem-solving, organisation, and communication skills, and often work across departments to align strategy, budgets, and performance goals. With experience, individuals can move into broader leadership roles or specialise in areas like creative operations, supply chain strategy, or retail planning. It’s a great career path for those interested in the business side of fashion and who enjoy keeping things running behind the scenes.

Examples of roles within Operations:
  • Business Operations Analyst
  • Operations Planner
  • Technical Developer
  • Retail Operations Intern
Xiang Shi, 2022 BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Operations:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

February 2017, LCC, UAL
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Categories
Business and Management

Corporate Social Responsibility

Working in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the fashion and creative industries involves making sure a brand operates ethically, sustainably, and with a positive impact on people and the planet. Professionals in this field help develop and manage strategies that reduce environmental harm, improve social conditions across supply chains, and promote transparency. They often work on ethical trading audits, sustainable packaging, data analysis, and clear communication of a brand’s values and actions.

As the fashion industry responds to environmental challenges and changing consumer expectations, roles in CSR are rapidly growing. Sustainability officers and CSR professionals play a key role in guiding brands toward circular economy models, supporting second-hand and low-impact fashion, and innovating with recyclable materials. With strong communication, analytical, and environmental knowledge, those in CSR can influence how fashion evolves and move into roles such as sustainability consultant or Head of Sustainability.

Examples of roles within Corporate Social Responsibility:
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Social Responsibility Manager
  • Training Developer
  • HR Sustainability Specialist
  • Circular Design Expert
Zeynep Ozden, 2021 BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Corporate Social Responsibility:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Luyi Xu, 2021 MA Service Design, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
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Categories
Science and Cosmetics

Product Development

Product development in the cosmetics and science industries involves creating, formulating, and testing new beauty and personal care products that are safe, effective, and meet consumer needs. This area combines creativity with scientific knowledge, especially in chemistry and biology, to turn ideas into real products. Professionals in this field research new ingredients and technologies, track trends, and ensure products align with market demand and regulations.

Product developers work closely with teams across marketing, packaging, and manufacturing to bring a product from concept to launch. They translate ideas into formulas, run tests, and evaluate performance to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry. This career path offers the opportunity to grow into leadership roles like Head of Department, or branch into related fields like marketing or consultancy. It’s ideal for those interested in innovation, problem-solving, and making an impact on what ends up on store shelves.

Examples of roles within Product Development:
  • Product Technologist
  • Product Lifecycle Specialist
  • Product Development Assistant/Manager
  • Cosmetic Scientist
  • Cosmetic Chemist
  • Skincare Specialist
MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Product Development:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Tahiya Hossain in the studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
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Communications and Marketing Science and Cosmetics

Psychology and Insights

The Psychology and Insights field in the fashion and creative industries focuses on understanding human behaviour to improve how people experience, interact with, and are impacted by fashion. Roles in this area explore how psychological principles can inform design, marketing, and consumption habits, aiming to make the industry more mindful, ethical, and people-centred. Fashion psychologists, for example, help brands understand consumer behaviour and support individuals in making choices aligned with personal identity and wellbeing.

This field is growing quickly as people become more conscious of the emotional and social reasons behind their fashion choices. Careers in psychology and insights combine research, ethics, and creativity, ideal for students interested in both people and culture. It requires skills in research design, data analysis, communication, and critical thinking, which can lead to roles in consumer insight, trend forecasting, behavioural research, or wellbeing strategy within fashion and creative businesses.

Examples of roles within Psychology and Insights:
  • Market Researcher
  • Consumer Insights Specialist
  • Consumer Behaviour Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Fashion Psychologist
  • Chartered Psychologist
  • Fashion Writer
  • Lecturer
  • Trends/Fashion Consultant
Marianne Majluf in the studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Psychology and Insights:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Illustration and collage by Kaya Belmont, 2023 Design Pathway, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
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Categories
Culture, Community and Heritage Education and Research

Advocacy and Policy

The Advocacy and Policy field involves influencing decision-making to support important causes, such as arts, culture, or the creative industries. Professionals in this area conduct research, analyse policies, and work closely with government officials and stakeholders to promote positive change. They raise public awareness, develop strategies, and use lobbying or campaigning to shape policies that align with their organisation’s goals. In creative sectors, this might mean advocating for funding, fair access, or future-facing strategies that protect cultural interests.

Roles in this field offer opportunities to learn about how policy is made and how public opinion and government priorities can be influenced. Strong communication, research, and strategic thinking skills are essential. Career paths can lead to positions like Advocacy Manager, Head of Public Affairs, Senior Policy Advisor, and Chief Executive Officer – where professionals shape the direction of sector policies, support cultural representation, and ensure the arts and creative industries are considered in wider political and social conversations.

Examples of roles within advocacy and policy:
  • Creative Practitioner
  • Influencer
  • Campaign Marketer
  • Engagement Officer
  • Political Officer
  • Projects Officer
  • Public Affairs Assistant
  • Communications Assistant
  • Policy and Advocacy Officer
  • Arts Advocate
  • Cultural Educator
  • Educational Psychologist
Video by Clara Finnigan | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson,
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in advocacy and policy:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Savannah Bader in the Studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
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Categories
Buying, Merchandising and Supply Chain

Buying

Buying is one of the most popular career pathways in fashion. A career in fashion buying involves selecting the right clothing and accessories for stores or online platforms to meet customer demand and sales targets. Buyers work closely with suppliers, designers, and internal teams like merchandising and marketing to plan and build ranges that align with current trends, price points, and sustainability goals. They analyse sales data, attend trade shows, and negotiate with vendors to ensure the right products are delivered on time and within budget.

They then oversee the product life cycle from start to finish, often working towards sustainability objectives. While the role of a Buyer often seems glamourous, entry-level roles in buying are often desk jobs which focus on inventory management, market research, trend forecasting, and supplier communication. As buyers gain experience, they may take ownership of specific product categories and work their way up to roles like Senior Buyer or Head of Buying.

Examples of roles within Supply Chain:
  • Buyers Admin Assistant
  • Junior/Assistant/Senior Buyer
  • Buyers Clerk
  • Branded Buyer
Zoe Zanon Rives in the studio, 2020 PGCert Fashion Buying and Merchandising, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in buying:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Daisy Hristova studying in the Library
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