5 Behind-the-Scenes Fashion Jobs You Should Know About

five behind the scenes fashion jobs including studio manager, wholesale brand representative, ecommerce specialist, product photographer, and allocations analyst

When people think of fashion jobs, the first roles that usually come to mind are designer, stylist, or buyer. Those jobs are incredible, but they only scratch the surface of what is out there. The truth is, there are so many behind-the-scenes fashion jobs that keep the industry running, and many of them are overlooked by job seekers.

If you are looking for a way into the industry but are not sure those traditional roles are the right fit for you, here are five fashion jobs worth exploring:

1. Studio Manager

Behind every polished product photo or campaign image is a studio manager keeping things on track. This role oversees the planning and execution of on-model, product, and editorial photo shoots for e-commerce, making sure everything runs smoothly from set-up to final file delivery. Studio managers ensure products are styled, photographed, and published to the highest quality while also supporting brand storytelling and marketing campaigns.

Day to day, they coordinate photographers, stylists, and assistants, maintain studio standards, and manage the flow of samples in and out of shoots. They also keep schedules tight, organize equipment, and act as the connection point between e-commerce, buying, and marketing teams. It is part creative direction, part logistics, and a big reason why products go live on time and look their best.

2. Wholesale Brand Representative

Think of wholesale reps as the bridge between a brand and the retailers who carry it. They are the ones presenting collections to buyers, nurturing relationships with boutiques and department stores, and ensuring each brand lands in the right places. If you are outgoing, love networking, and want to combine sales with fashion, this could be your lane. Wholesale reps may not always be the first fashion job people think of, but they play a huge part in how trends hit the market.

3. Fashion E-Commerce Specialist

As online shopping keeps expanding, so does the need for people who understand how to make a brand shine digitally. A Fashion E-Commerce Specialist wears a lot of hats to make sure products seamlessly move from buying to “ready to shop” online. They write product descriptions, style and merchandise items for the website, and often assist with photo shoots by prepping, steaming, or outfitting on-model looks. On the operational side, they support online order fulfillment, pack and ship orders with care, and handle client inquiries to ensure the online shopping experience feels just as polished as an in-store one.

The role also includes monitoring inventory accuracy, keeping systems and spaces organized, and collaborating closely with leaders and peers to keep things moving. E-commerce specialists are tuned into key numbers and goals, contribute ideas in team meetings, and even support retail stores when needed. It is a role that combines creativity, organization, and customer service, making it one of the most dynamic fashion jobs today.

4. Product Photographer

Ever scroll through an online store and think, “Wow, these photos make me want that bag”? That is the work of a product photographer. A product photographer’s job goes far beyond snapping pictures. They capture products both on and off models for websites, campaigns, and even print. The role usually includes post-production work like colour correction, retouching, and cropping to make sure every item looks its best. Product photographers also keep files organized and upload images to online systems so products are ready to sell. On top of that, they manage equipment, maintain clean workspaces, set up and break down shoots, and often collaborate with interns or creative teams. It is a fashion job that blends technical skill with creativity and is essential to making products stand out online.

5. Allocations Analyst and Strategic Allocations Analyst

Behind every product you see on the shop floor, or every vendor decision made globally, is someone making sure the right product gets to the right place at the right time.

Allocations Analyst: This role lives at the retail level. An Allocations Analyst supports in-season allocation and replenishment strategies across a portfolio of stores, acting as a real-time connection point between store operations and the corporate Allocations team. They provide insights into product performance and help make smarter inventory decisions while staying aligned to enterprise-wide strategies.

Strategic Allocations Analyst: This role takes things up a level. The Strategic Allocations team sits within Global Sourcing, shaping long-range sourcing strategies. Analysts here translate five-year volume plans into global vendor and geographic allocation plans, balancing capacity, cost, risk, and capability. They manage sourcing data, build Power BI dashboards, prepare vendor performance reviews, and support long-term capacity planning.

If you are analytical, detail-oriented, and love the idea of connecting data to product strategy, both roles are incredible fashion jobs with big growth potential, especially with powerhouse brands like Lululemon and Arc’teryx actively hiring for them.

Why This Matters

The fashion industry is so much bigger than the obvious roles. By exploring these behind-the-scenes fashion jobs, you open yourself up to new opportunities that could align more closely with your strengths and passions.

Want help figuring out which fashion jobs might be right for you? Explore the latest postings on Style Nine to Five or book one of our career services to get personalized guidance.