Founder Associate - Fashion Brand Development & Operations

University of the Arts London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Unbridled, a premium fashion label, is seeking a Founder Associate – Fashion Brand Development & Operations in London. This role provides hands-on support to the Founder across market research, product development logistics, and day-to-day operations as we prepare for launch.

As the local UK anchor while the Founder is overseas, you will translate priorities into action, manage key workstreams, coordinate UK/EU relationships, and help drive the go-to-market roadmap for 2027 launch.

Qualifications

• Entry-level experience in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment across ecommerce, marketing, or startups.
• Degree or equivalent in fashion design, textiles, fashion marketing, or fashion business.
• London-based with ability to work flexibly including remote work and UK travel.

Responsibilities

• Support market research, product development logistics, and day-to-day operations.
• Coordinate pre-launch and post-launch activities including prototyping, sample management, and vendor communications.
• Attend industry trade shows in the UK and EU, representing the brand as agreed by the Founder.
• Oversee basic administration, expense tracking, and corporate correspondence.
• Build relationships with UK/EU contractors, influencers, and design consultants.
• Drive go-to-market tasks and maintain development calendars.

Skills

Entrepreneurial experience

Education

Fashion-related degree or equivalent

Job description

Founder Associate – Fashion Brand Development & Operations

This is a dynamic generalist role designed to provide hands-on support to the Founder across every aspect of building an early-stage premium fashion label. You will gain direct exposure to all facets of the business, including assisting with market research, coordinating product development logistics, managing day-to-day operations, and handling essential administration to ensure smooth execution as we prepare for launch.

Because the Founder is based overseas during this pre-launch phase, you will serve as the brand’s local UK anchor. You will help translate priorities into action and take ownership of key workstreams.

This role is permanent and has the potential to evolve into a full-time role as the brand prepares for launch in 2027.

Key Responsibilities:

While this role’s duties will be highly varied and flexible by nature, key tasks and responsibilities can include:

• Brand Development & Research Support
• Prepare research and analysis to support strategic discussions and decision-making led by the Founder and relevant external advisors
• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and customer validation initiatives, synthesising findings into clear insights and actionable recommendations
• Support implementation of the AW27 go-to-market roadmap, including driving key workstreams, maintaining timelines, conducting research, and keeping on top of follow-ups
• UK Operational Anchor & Administration
• Coordinate local relationships with UK and EU-based contractors, influencers, legal/accounting partners, and design consultants
• Coordinate key pre-launch and post-launch trading activities such as prototyping logistics, sample management and timelines, supplier follow-up, vendor communications, social media campaigns, and influencer outreach, driving them against an overall development calendar
• Oversee basic business administration, expense/invoice tracking, and corporate correspondence
• Attend and support Unbridled at key industry trade shows and events in the UK and EU, representing the brand where agreed by the Founder
• Help identify and map prospective creative collaborators, PR contacts, and retail partners

Skills and Experience Required

Skills and Experience

• Entry-level experience in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, such as e-commerce, marketing, consumer brands, fashion, VC, consulting, or other startups; exceptional graduates will be considered
• A degree or equivalent work experience in fashion design, textiles, fashion marketing, or fashion business is highly advantageous
• You must be London-based and be able to work flexibly with the founder, including via remote working and occasional travel within the UK and EU
• You must have the permanent unrestricted right to work in the UK, Unbridled is unable to provide sponsorship

About you

• Highly proactive and comfortable taking ownership without constant direction
• Combines strong commercial acumen with intellectual curiosity; able to learn quickly and take increasing ownership as the brand develops
• Highly analytical but also able to translate strategy into actionable goals and practical execution
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and incomplete information
• Exceptionally organised and detail-oriented
• A strong written and verbal communicator
• Strong interest in high-end fashion, lifestyle, e-commerce, and consumer brands

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.