Senior Lecturer (Fashion Buying & Merchandising and Programme Leader)

Faculty of Arts and Humanities is a unique environment where Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences, the Manchester School of Art and the Manchester Fashion Institute, creating a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment supported by state of the art digital and technical facilities.

About the team:

Manchester Fashion Institute (MFI) is one the UK's largest specialist fashion providers, recognised globally for its excellence in higher education and research. Our work spans multiple disciplines such as science, the arts, business, health, sociology, sport and digital. We continue to build an environment where diversity and equality flourish and innovation is powered by a multitude of perspectives and cultures.

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Buying. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic with contemporary industry expertise in fashion buying to shape curriculum development, enhance student experience, and provide strategic academic leadership. The successful candidate will be expected to take on rotational (3-4 years) Programme Leader responsibility, contributing to the continued development and leadership of the programme.

As a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Fashion Buying, you will play a key role in the academic leadership, delivery and continued development of the programme, with responsibility for curriculum enhancement, quality assurance, student experience and academic standards. You will bring expertise in areas such as buying, merchandising, sourcing and supply chain management, product development, consumer insight, digital commerce, data-informed decision-making and the evolving retail landscape, including emerging technologies such as AI.

The successful applicant will have:

Essential Skills:

• A good first degree in a relevant discipline, together with either postgraduate qualification(s), equivalent professional experience, or evidence of professional practice and/or scholarly contribution relevant to the role.
• A PGCE, Certificate of Education, PGCLTHE or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or an agreed professional equivalent, or commitment FHEA to obtain within three years of appointment.
• Interests and expertise within Fashion Buying and related disciplines, including but not limited to: merchandising; product development; sourcing and supply chain management; sustainable and responsible business practice; range planning; trend analysis and forecasting; stock and inventory management; data-informed commercial decision-making; digital commerce; and the evolving consumer and retail landscape, including emerging technologies such as AI.
• Commitment to the University's strategic objectives, with a focus on supporting Education, Practice and Citizenship.
• Experience of academic leadership in education.
• Commitment to the University's policies and procedures including promoting equality in own area of responsibility and in general conduct.

Desirable:

• Membership of relevant Professional bodies, demonstrating professional standing.
• Leadership of project staff to a successful outcome.

To apply: Please attach your CV and covering letter to the online portal

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.      

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.      

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.      

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.