Anthropologie Buyer, Womenswear - Jersey and Knit in London

Founded in 1992, Pennsylvania, USA, by current URBN chairman and president Dick Hayne, Anthropologie was named after his college major (with a decidedly French twist). Anthropologie, which now operates over 200 stores worldwide, has evolved into a leading one‑of‑a‑kind destination for those seeking a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor to reflect their personal style. In 2009 the brand launched its first store in London and now has over 18 stores in the UK and Europe.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Anthropologie European buying team, working within the Jersey and Knit team as a Buyer, reporting into the Buying Manager on Womenswear. We are looking for a buyer who has creative flair to develop the strongest product offer, someone who always puts the customer first to deliver a balanced and exciting range, that aligns with our Global initiatives as well as EU. The ideal candidate will thrive from working in a fast paced environment and will be ambitious, self‑motivated and dynamic and has previous experience buying Jersey and Knit within the UK market.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage class assortment and OTB, range plan, IMU goals and balance attributes.
• Trade and react areas at pace while maintaining a consistent product offer.
• Grow direct business and identify potential in the retail market.
• Drive individual, departmental, and total business goals through seasonal initiatives.
• Buy and trade areas in new territories within the Anthro EU portfolio.
• Range building & selection buying own brand product from the US while developing and sourcing from our UK vendors in order to ensure a balanced mix of product that delivers on both EU and Global strategies & initiatives.
• Working closely with vendors to create innovative product designs.
• Actively source a diverse and inclusive product range.
• Champion sustainability and work to drive growth in own classes alongside brand strategy.
• Manage team to ensure smooth running of critical path - including retail strategies and marketing support.
• Continued sales analysis and strategy implementation in partnership with planning to hit budget goals.
• Strong awareness of trends, passionate about product and striving to source the latest and greatest new brands that are a great fit for Anthropologie.
• Source and develop new vendors, partnering with them to provide fashionable first to market designs for the UK market.
• Ability to react to changing demands of the market‑place.
• Preparing and presenting weekly sales meetings and assortment reviews.
• Working on additional brand level tasks across the teams and functions to ensure the business objectives are followed from a product and delivery point of view.
• Work closely with global partners to leverage all opportunities.
• Represent the brand with integrity and authority, being a true brand ambassador for the business.
• Present strategy, ideas, and concepts to senior management.
• Travel to US based head office where required, along with EU travel.

What You’ll Need

• An understanding of the Anthropologie brand, our product and our customer.
• Relevant buying and product development experience, across Knit and Jersey categories and a strong market awareness.
• A strong communicator and team player with the ability to provide leadership, training and motivation to employees and peers.
• An experienced manager, with prior experience leading and developing Assistant Buyers and Buyers Admin Assistants.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work under pressure.
• A creative thinker with solid business acumen.
• An enthusiastic worker who is organised and flexible, while maintaining professionalism.

The Perks

• Work‑life balance: Flexible start and finish times, Bring your dog to work.
• Wellbeing: Employees Assistance program to support with mental, physical and financial health, Fully equipped free gym and on‑site wellness room in Brick Lane and 50% discount of external gym memberships, Private Medical Insurance.
• Employee Discount: Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands!
• Community: One paid day to either volunteer or fundraise for a charity of your choice.
• Travel: Cycle to work scheme, Season ticket loan.
• Continued Development: We offer structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.