PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER (Wholesale and 3rd Party)

 

ABOUT US

Aspiga is a certified B Corporation and winner of the Drapers Sustainable Independent Brand Award, leading the way in sustainable and ethical fashion.

Established in 2006, Aspiga is a responsible fashion brand committed to putting people and the planet first. We work with skilled artisans and suppliers, primarily in Kenya and India, to create stylish and contemporary collections for women and men using natural, organic, and sustainable materials.

As a multi-channel retailer, we operate a successful online platform, wholesale partnerships (including marketplaces), and retail shops in the UK. Our focus is on ethically sourced and sustainable beachwear, clothing, and accessories.

At Aspiga, we pride ourselves on our story and values, and we strive to integrate our commitment to sustainability, ethics, and responsible fashion into every step of the customer journey, ensuring a meaningful connection between the brand and our customers.

 

THE POSITION: PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Partnerships Manager to lead and develop wholesale, 3rd party, travel retail, and independent store partnerships in the UK and USA. This pivotal role will focus on expanding Aspiga’s footprint across independent boutiques, regional department stores, online marketplaces, and travel retail channels, targeting key consumer travel hubs such as airports, resorts, and ports.


Reporting to the Head of Operations, the Partnerships Manager will drive scalable growth while ensuring an exceptional brand and consumer experience. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in partnership development, strong selling skills, and a good understanding of both retail and logistics operations.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Partnership Development

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to grow wholesale, 3rd party, travel retail, and independent store partnerships in the UK and USA.
  • Target consumer travel hubs, including airports, cruise ports, resorts, and key holiday destinations, ensuring Aspiga’s presence in relevant markets.
  • Identify and capitalize on commercial opportunities across regional department stores, online marketplaces, and independent boutiques.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for external agencies and partners, ensuring alignment with Aspiga’s values and goals.

2. Retailer and Travel Retail Management

  • Build and strengthen relationships with major retail accounts such as John Lewis, M&S, Nordstrom, and travel retail operators.
  • Develop customized solutions for travel retail and independent stores, addressing the unique needs of each channel.
  • Ensure all partnerships deliver a seamless and consistent brand experience aligned with Aspiga’s sustainability ethos.

3. Logistics and Operations

  • Collaborate with 3rd party logistics providers to manage domestic and international shipping to wholesale, travel retail, and independent store accounts.
  • Streamline operational processes to meet partner requirements, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

4. Product and Stock Coordination

  • Work with the merchandising team to align stock availability with campaigns, ensuring product assortments reflect Aspiga’s sustainable values and meet market demand.
  • Use Excel and other systems to efficiently manage orders, inventory, and partner communications.

5. Sales and Marketing Tools Development

  • Develop in-store and online sales and marketing tools tailored to independent stores, wholesale, and travel retail channels.
  • Drive the growth of online marketplaces while ensuring brand alignment and customer engagement.

6. Trade Show and Event Leadership

  • Represent Aspiga at key trade shows and events, showcasing collections, fostering
  • Oversee event operations, including sample management, look books, pricing, and order books.

7. Performance Reporting and Insights

  • Regularly report performance metrics to the Head of Operations and senior team, identifying risks and growth opportunities.
  • Provide actionable insights to guide strategic decisions, with success measured by expanded presence across target channels and increased revenue.

 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Core Expertise

  • Proven experience in developing and managing wholesale, 3rd party, travel retail, and independent store partnerships within a womenswear or similar retail business.
  • Strong understanding of travel retail channels and the unique dynamics of airports, resorts, and ports is an advantage. 
  • Demonstrated success in cultivating relationships with major retailers, regional department stores, and independent boutiques.

Sales and Marketing Skills

  • Exceptional selling skills with a proven track record of driving sales and fostering long-term partnerships.
  • Experience creating tools to support sales efforts across in-store, online, and travel retail channels.

Logistics and Analytical Abilities

  • Expertise in managing domestic and international shipping with 3rd party logistics providers.
  • Proficiency in Excel and other business systems to manage orders and inventory.
  • Strong analytical skills to leverage data for strategic decision-making and identifying new opportunities.

Customer-Centric Focus

  • Deep understanding of end-consumer needs with the ability to implement strategies that enhance the brand and consumer experience.

Cultural Fit and Entrepreneurial Spirit

  • Collaborative Approach: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, small business environment, demonstrating robustness and resilience when faced with challenges.
  • Sustainability Focus: Passionate about sustainable fashion and committed to making a positive impact.
  • Adaptability and Creativity: Proactive, resourceful, and adaptable to change in a high-growth environment. Hands-on approach with the ability to creatively solve problems and manage multiple priorities.

 

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

  • Expanding Aspiga’s presence in travel retail, securing partnerships in key holiday destinations, airports, resorts, ports, and online marketplaces.
  • Growing Aspiga’s footprint in independent boutiques and regional department stores.
  • Achieving measurable revenue and partnership growth targets while ensuring alignment with Aspiga’s sustainability values

 

WHY JOIN ASPIGA?

  • Be part of a mission-driven company making a meaningful impact on the planet and communities.
  • Opportunity to lead and shape partnerships for a growing sustainable fashion brand.
  • Collaborate with a creative, passionate team focused on innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices.

 

WHAT WE OFFER

Join Aspiga in a role that combines strategic impact with purpose. As the Partnerships Manager, you will play a critical role in expanding our presence in the UK, USA, and travel retail while contributing to the growth of a brand committed to sustainability and ethical fashion.

If you have the experience, creativity, and passion to help us achieve our ambitious goals, we’d love to hear from you!

If you are interested in the role, please send your application to hr@aspiga.com

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