Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

London (Hybrid / On-site as required)
3–6 months
£1,000 – £1,300 (Outside IR35 determination TBC)

The Company

A fashion brand/retailer with approximately £12m turnover, generating 75% of sales via Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) online channels across the UK, Europe, and the US. Following a period of plateau, the business requires a decisive turnaround leader to unlock growth, drive efficiencies, and build a scalable strategy for the future.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Interim CEO with full P&L accountability to diagnose, stabilise, and re-accelerate the business. You will lead a rapid diagnostic of the operating model, identify immediate efficiencies, and execute a clear growth strategy across digital retail, inventory management, and customer acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

• Turnaround & Growth: Lead the shift from plateau to profitable growth; refresh the 12–18 month strategic plan.

• Performance Optimisation: Drive improvements in DTC conversion, retention (CRM/Loyalty), and marketing efficiency (ROAS) across UK/EU/US markets.

• Operational Efficiencies: Streamline stock turn, reduce markdown dependency, and improve gross margin without compromising brand equity.

• P&L Ownership: Full accountability for £12m P&L, cash flow, and cost base; deliver swift EBITDA improvements.

• Team & Culture: Provide decisive leadership to the senior team, instilling pace, accountability, and commercial rigour.

Essential Experience

• Industry: Proven track record as a CEO, Managing Director, or very senior Commercial Director within a fashion brand or fashion retailer.

• Scale: Led a business with a turnover of £10m – £40m; understands the specific challenges of small-to-mid sized fashion houses.

• Channel Mix: Deep expertise in DTC/e-commerce (80% of sales), including exposure to wholesale/retail stores.

• Markets: Experience trading across the UK, Europe, and US (logistics, returns, currency, marketing).

• Turnaround: Evidence of identifying inefficiencies, restructuring non-value costs, and reigniting growth within a short timeframe.

Personal Attributes

• Highly analytical and operationally hands-on.

• Commercially ruthless where needed, but brand-aware.

• Able to build immediate credibility with investors and internal teams.