Press & VIP Assistant UK

Full job description
Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies. We champion positivity, curiosity and creativity. These qualities underpin every Paul Smith design, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.

Located at the Paul Smith headquarters in London, the Press & VIP Assistant UK role will support the Press team with all Press and VIP related activities for Paul Smith, including VIP dressing and Paul Smith seasonal shows and events. The role is responsible for supporting in all Press, VIP and Brand activations for all Paul Smith lines, as well as Paul Smith events and the seasonal shows. Working closely in line with the Global Press & VIP team to achieve the brand strategy and focus every season.

The Role
Work closely with the Press & VIP Press Officer to support with all day to day press and VIP related duties to promote the Paul Smith brand across Menswear, Womenswear, Homeware, Junior, Special Projects and other Paul Smith categories
Work with the Press & VIP Managers to consolidate the seasonal results into timely reporting documents for evaluation by the Head of department and to communicate to the wider company.
Support the Press team to continually pinpoint, nurture and develop relations with key target VIPs and their Managers and Publicists to ensure the brand is present within appropriate events and initiatives including VIP attendance to the Paul Smith events and Paul Smith presence at awards ceremonies and red carpet events.
Manage all sample requests, including send outs and deliveries and ensure the showroom is managed and merchandised efficiently, thoroughly and in time. Support the Global Press & VIP Assistant in their duties to facilitate requests to international teams and franchise markets wherever possible.
Track all coverage of Paul Smith collections and Special Projects both online and in print for dedicated events and projects as well as day-to-day coverage. Circulate all coverage in an efficient and timely manner. Ensure to be ready for early starts the day after key events to circulate key coverage to HQ.
Initiate and host showroom appointments with press focusing on the appropriate team members to support the Press & VIP Officer UK in building relationships and generating awareness of Paul Smith. Assist where needed with the organisation of the seasonal show, the organisation of Press days and any other local Brand events as necessary.
Collate in-house reports as required; daily, weekly, monthly, VIP, trends, events reports and comparative analysis reports in a timely manner with care and attention to detail.
Work closely with the Digital Marketing team, Sales team and the Stores to keep up to date with latest product offers, delivery dates and other product information.
Keeping up to date with relevant trends within fashion and culture and share with the wider teams in a timely manner where relevant.


Your Skills and Experience
High level of computer literacy in Microsoft Office packages.
Experience working in a press office within the fashion industry.
Sample Management and working with FGPS experience.
Experience collating information and creating reports. High degree of competence in report analysis and interpretation of information and data.
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
Excellent negotiation skills and interpersonal skills.

Who you are
Interest in fashion and knowledge of the UK fashion market.
Interest and knowledge of the press market, current trends and media.
Highly self-motivated, helpful and can stay calm under pressure.
Team worker who can work using own initiative and able to build effective working relationships.
Creative flair and ability to assess complementary themes.
Can plan, organise and prioritise.

What’s in it for you
Hybrid working and flexi-time.
A generous seasonal clothing allowance.
A discretionary discount on Paul Smith products.
Access to exclusive sample sales.
Wellbeing support through the Retail trust for you and your family.
Cycle to work and travel loan schemes.
SmartTech.
Day for change.

Please note, this role is not eligible for sponsorship in the Skilled Worker visa category.

At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.