Retail Relations Specialist - PROJECT

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organize over 500 large-scale branded and transaction‑oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not‑to‑be‑missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business. We also provide year‑round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets. Job Description This role is based in our Santa Monica, CA office. As a Retail Specialist within our Fashion Business Group, you will play a pivotal role in building, strengthening, and maintaining relationships with menswear retailers to drive attendance at our events. This position requires proactive engagement, strategic relationship‑building, and in‑depth market research to recruit key retailers and buyers. You will collaborate closely with the Director of Attendee Acquisition & Customer Success, VP of Events, Sales and Marketing teams, and other internal stakeholders to enhance retailer participation, elevate the attendee experience, and contribute to the overall success of our events. Responsibilities You’ll research and identify new retail targets by analyzing market trends, key industry players, and emerging categories. Actively engage with retailers to secure their attendance at events. Build and strengthen relationships with key retailers across various market segments and tiers. Maintain proactive communication with existing and prospective retailers through phone, email, and in‑person meetings. Address retailer inquiries and provide solutions related to event details, registration, and logistics. Leverage an existing portfolio of industry relationships to enhance outreach and engagement. Collaborate with Events, Marketing, and PR teams to develop and deliver targeted retail messaging and promotional materials. Provide retailers with up‑to‑date event details, including brand listings, hotel rates, and show schedules. Qualify prospective retailers and guide them through the event registration process. Utilize Salesforce to track, update, and analyze retailer data, generating insights for sales and marketing teams. Ensure retailer contact information is accurate and regularly updated in the database. Prepare reports and analytics on retailer engagement, event attendance, and campaign effectiveness. Assist in managing VIP and buyer programs in collaboration with cross‑functional teams. Support event execution, including on‑site coordination of retail programs and experiences. Facilitate matchmaking between retailers and brands to foster long‑term business relationships. Provide personalized concierge services to VIP retailers to ensure a premium event experience. Source and qualify weekly leads to identify new retail prospects. Develop and execute targeted retail campaigns to drive attendance and engagement. Continuously enhance retailer engagement through strategic outreach and relationship management. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Fashion Buying/Merchandising, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience). 2‑4 years showroom experience, or a related role in the fashion industry. Strong understanding of the fashion industry and retail landscape. Proven track record of relationship‑building and sales skills, ideally within the fashion or retail sector. Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building abilities. Strong customer service orientation with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Detail‑oriented, creative, and innovative thinker with a proactive approach. Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively. Self‑starter who thrives in a team environment and can work independently when needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Existing relationships with key retailers are a must. Ability to travel up to 30% of the time. Additional Information We believe that great things happen when people connect face‑to‑face. That's why we work in‑person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely. Benefits Great community: a welcoming culture with in‑person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active colleague groups and networks promoting a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on‑demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves Time out: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world The salary range for this role is $65,000- $70,000 based on experience. This posting will automatically expire on December 31, 2025. We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application. If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch. Your request will be reviewed and considered in confidence. At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. 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