Influencer Lead

Department: Brand Marketing

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office, Chelsea House

Reporting To: Grace Goodhind

Description

At River Island, we're not just selling fashion – we're setting trends. With a strong heritage and an eye on the future, we’re committed to creating standout style at affordable prices. From our buzzing high-street stores to our thriving e-commerce presence, we’re proud to be one of the most loved brands on the UK fashion scene.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we’re looking for a creative, strategic and data-driven Influencer Lead to take our influencer activity to the next level.
As the Influencer Lead, you will be responsible for driving and executing River Island’s influencer marketing strategy across all channels. You will lead the development of innovative, high-impact influencer campaigns that align with brand objectives, drive engagement, and support business goals. You’ll work cross-functionally with PR, Social, Creative, and Ecommerce teams to build a best-in-class influencer programme that resonates with our core audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Ownership:
  Develop and own the influencer marketing strategy across key platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) in alignment with brand, campaign, and commercial goals.
• Campaign Management:
  Lead end-to-end influencer campaigns — from ideation and briefing through to execution, reporting, and optimisation.
• Influencer Relations:
  Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with talent, agents, and influencer networks. Identify and onboard new influencers aligned with brand values and aesthetics.
• Data & Reporting:
  Define and track KPIs to measure campaign performance (engagement, reach, ROI, conversions), using data to refine future strategy and prove effectiveness to stakeholders.
• Budget Management:
  Manage the influencer marketing budget, ensuring efficient spend and ROI across all initiatives.
• Trend Spotting:
  Stay ahead of social and influencer trends, platform updates, and competitor activity to ensure River Island remains a leader in the space.
• Collaboration:
  Work closely with internal teams including PR, Social Media, Creative, E-commerce, and Retail to ensure campaigns are aligned and fully integrated.
• Ambassador Programmes:
  Launch and manage long-term ambassador partnerships and seeding programmes to create authentic, consistent brand advocacy.

Requirements

• Proven experience (6+ years) in influencer marketing, ideally within fashion, retail, or lifestyle sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategy and execute impactful, scalable campaigns.
• Strong network and understanding of UK-based and international influencers across multiple tiers (macro to micro).
• Commercial mindset with experience managing budgets and optimising campaign ROI.
• Deep knowledge of social media platforms, creator economy, and content trends.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable using influencer marketing and social listening platforms (e.g., Dash Hudson and Tribe)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Passion for fashion, trends, and digital innovation.

About Us

We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do.  Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions. This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts.

This role is based at our Head Office in West London. Check us out here on a map.

What we can offer you:

💰  Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!
 
🛒  Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through Reward Gateway!

🎉  A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.

🤎  Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & f