Inside Manchester's Growing Fashion Jobs Market

Manchester's fashion scene traces back to its industrial past. A former cottonopolis, Manchester now features boutiques, studios, design spaces and studios within former mills and warehouses that were transformed into studios or boutiques; areas like Northern Quarter now host independent retailers, makers and young designers that form its distinct DIY-driven style.

Post-Pandemic Hiring Surge in Fashion

Manchester fashion brands have experienced an increase in hiring efforts since the pandemic hit, as recruitment firms describe Manchester as "a hotbed of innovation." Companies have created roles designed to foster creative thinking and digital expansion; here are current in-demand roles:

• Design & styling: designers, stylists, product developers

  
  

• Digital & e-commerce: e-commerce managers, web merchandisers, digital marketers

  
  

• Marketing & PR: brand managers, content creators, social media specialists

  
  

• Technical & production: garment workers, supply-chain coordinators, quality control officers.

As more businesses grow in-house teams, an increasing number of fashion roles are now being filled locally rather than shipped south - showing Manchester's dedication to developing its own talent pool for design, marketing, and digital commerce.

What Brands Look For in Local Hires

Manchester employers increasingly seek candidates with an understanding of its culture who can quickly integrate themselves into smaller teams. Aside from technical skills, brands usually look for:

• Local insight: awareness of the community and how it influences style

  
  

• Digital capability: e-commerce, social media, and online branding skills

  
  

• Versatility: the ability to handle varied creative or operational tasks

  
  

• Sustainability interest: familiarity with responsible production and local sourcing

  
  

• Team mindset: strong communication and a collaborative attitude

Many employers ask prospective candidates about their relationship to Manchester or approach to engaging its customers, with an eye towards hiring those who will help their brand to flourish and establish its presence locally.

How Fashion Micro-Clusters Support Local Growth

A 2024 discussion paper from the Policy & Economic Consulting (PEC) group looked at UK fashion micro-clusters, including Manchester.

The report finds that regional clusters serve as innovation hubs, where local firms take advantage of shared knowledge. Establishing local networks and accessing skilled workers are also main contributors to its success.

This model fits seamlessly with Manchester's goal of recruiting locally: by staying within these micro-ecosystems, brands can tap into abundant talent pools while cutting reliance on distant supply chains - leading to sustainable growth that remains rooted within its city of origin.

Fashion’s Economic Contribution to Manchester

Manchester’s fashion and fashion-tech sector supports around 11,300 salaried jobs (excluding self-employed workers). The same study by Innovation and Research Caucus values its contribution to the regional economy at £600–700 million.

Local Recruiters Drive Growth

Specialist fashion recruiters have played an essential part in driving this trend of hiring in Manchester's fashion industry. Agencies with deep roots here understand both its culture and talent pipeline, giving them a competitive advantage when matching candidates with brands.

These experts often establish long-term relationships with designers, digital teams and retailers in their region. Their intimate knowledge of Northern creative courses, emerging designers and the city's independent scene helps brands

identify candidates who perfectly complement its culture.

Big Brands, Local Wins: Manchester’s Rising Profile

Major organisations have taken notice of Manchester's revitalisation: Puma established their UK operations here due to an expanding talent pool; British Fashion Council selected Manchester as part of their decentralisation strategy, while international labels such as Chanel have held events there.

Homegrown brands like Represent are prime examples of how local talent can create successful businesses. As these businesses expand, they continue to hire locally for designers, developers, marketers and technical teams.

Manchester's fashion industry is in an expansionary phase that is creating new opportunities in design, digital production and brand development.

Work With Local Specialists

If you need creative talent in Manchester, let us help. We're a specialist fashion recruitment agency in Manchester that matches local fashion brands with the right people.

We know where to find stylists, digital experts, and brand managers who fit your culture. With so many fashion jobs in Manchester on the rise, having a local recruiter by your side saves time and finds better matches.

Reach out to our specialist recruiters – we live the Manchester fashion scene and can help you build your team from the ground up.