Category: Business and Management

Working in Human Resources (HR) in the creative industries means supporting the people who make a business thrive. HR professionals manage recruitment, staff development, and workplace policies, ensuring that employees feel supported, valued, and motivated. They help attract and retain talent, design fair and flexible working arrangements, and make sure the company complies with employment laws. Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills are key in this field.

HR roles can include recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and performance management. Whether advising on career progression, handling grievances, or helping create a positive work culture, HR professionals play a vital role in shaping the employee experience. With time and experience, this career path can lead to leadership roles such as Head of HR or Talent Manager, offering opportunities to influence company culture and strategy at the highest level.

Recruitment:

Recruiters play a key role in identifying the right candidates to match a brand’s culture and skill needs, often using interviews, job boards, and networking to source talent. Recruitment Teams can be based in-house for a brand or externally within an agency. Working in recruitment can lead to Head of Talent roles or owning your own recruitment agency.

Employee Relations:

Employee relations roles are advisory and coaching-focused. Employee relations professionals also play a vital role in promoting a respectful and inclusive workplace by addressing concerns early and constructively. They support managers in handling sensitive situations and ensure that all actions align with company values and employment laws. Employee relations offers a broad overview of a HR department opening progression to Regional HR Manager or Head of HR.

Examples of roles within Human Resources:

• HR Liaison
• HR Business Partner
• HR People Advisor
• Talent Acquisition Officer
• Talent Specialist
• Employee Relations Lead
• Employee Relations Officer
• Exhibitor Relations Manager
• People and Culture Officer

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Human Resources:

• BSc (Hons) Fashion Management
• BSc (Hons) Psychology of Fashion

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

The Finance Department manages money, working with budgeting, forecasting and investing. There are numerous roles within finance that support businesses on an operational level and help with day to day running. This team works across projects, completing quarterly budgeting reports and balance reconciliations. With many working areas, this department provides financial support to Head office staff.

Payroll:

Payroll processes employee payment for their service to a business. Payroll executives create and maintain records, entering information onto a central management system. They are the first contact for any staff payroll queries. Careers in Payroll are likely to start as a Payroll Assistant and work your way up to Senior Payroll Executive.

Accounts:

Accounts keep track of company’s finances from a holistic viewpoint. Their responsibilities including; tracking transitions and forecasting financial operations. Evaluating these elements and analysing data, they then make financial recommendations. Progression within the accounting sector may need further qualifications to become a Charted Accountant.

Credit Control:

Credit control teams manage existing business debts, deciding whether to loan money to a creditor. They check credit ratings and ensure payments are punctual. Credit controllers are also responsible for debt recovery. They manage legal issues which arise from unrecoverable debt and liaise with Sales. If you decide to pursue a career in credit control, you can become a Credit Control Manager or work as a Credit Control Agent freelancing.

Examples of roles within Finance:

• Financial Controller
• Credit Control Agent
• Accounts Payable Adviser
• Financial Accountant
• Brand Accountant
• Finance Administrator
• Payroll Officer/Coordinator
• Payroll Analysist

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Finance:

• BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• BSc (Hons) Fashion Management

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

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

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Corporate Social Responsibility:

• BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science
• BSc (Hons) Fashion Management
• BSc (Hons) Psychology of Fashion

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