Joanne Conlon

Dr Jo Conlon is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Business & Technology and Programme Director (postgraduate taught studies) at The University of Manchester (Department of Materials, Faculty of Science & Engineering).  She holds an EdD from the University of Huddersfield School of Education. This research investigated how digital technologies can reshape fashion business education. This research has been recognised by the sector as creating professionals with a key differentiator that can transform the industry.

She has considerable knowledge and international experience gained working as a Technical and Sourcing Manager in the fashion industry after graduating with BSc (Hons) Textile Technology (Dye Chemistry) from The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). She travelled nationally and internationally within the supply chain of Marks and Spencer across mainland Europe, Turkey, Morocco, North America, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia liaising with the customer and supplier to develop new products, coordinating product trials, troubleshooting, and solving production problems.  Jo was responsible for identifying fabric trends and establishing credible sourcing routes for new fabrics and innovative products through UK and offshore suppliers.  Her early career was grounded in a sustainable systems approach to product development and global supply many years before this approach became best practice. 

Jo is a highly experienced Senior Lecturer holds the following professional awards: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a member of the Chartered Management Institute and an Associate of the Textile Institute. Her extensive global network with close and respected interaction with industry and knowledge of pedagogy has proven to be a unique asset to bring insight, innovation and leadership to the dynamic teaching and learning environment of fashion business.

Jo’s research centres research interests include sustainable supply chain management and global sourcing within the textiles and fashion industry with a focus on the enabling role of digital technologies on knowledge management, learning and change within organizations. Jo has also received funding for two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) projects to implement emerging and enabling technologies.

Jo teaches on several undergraduate and postgraduate units in the Department of Materials relating to Contemporary Issues in Fashion and Textiles, International Fashion Marketing and Raw Materials.