Urban Outfitters - Established MW Designer, Jersey & Knitwear in City of London

Urban Outfitters started out as a single boutique in 1970s Philadelphia with creativity and uniqueness at its core. 50 years on, and over 60 stores across Europe later, we’ve become a destination for emerging design, unexpected styling, One‑Of‑A‑Kind vintage and homeware that makes you want to hit the share button. We speak to a social community of over 10 million forward‑thinking individuals, bringing together a nostalgia for the past with an enthusiasm to shape the future. The UO community are culturally aware, they shape the music scene, they live a digitally native life and they wear style trends before anyone else. At our core, we empower our customers and staff to express themselves, unapologetically, living life in a way that’s truly authentic to them.

Role Summary

As an Established Designer you will design innovative trend‑forward Jersey & knit collections that balance creativity and commerciality across the UK & EU market. From first sketch to final fit, you’ll bring ideas to life! Working closely with buying, planning and garment tech, you will develop product from concept to production. Supporting global travel for inspiration and development – all whilst aligning with our business strategy and building strong relationships across our international supplier base.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Responsible for successful development of an innovative, yet commercial jersey and knit range that meets the business requirements across the UK and EU, for stores and online.
• Designing product which exceeds the customers’ expectations of the brand, whilst displaying an awareness of sustainability, price architecture, margins & selling prices.
• Working with the buying and planning teams to range‑build and produce collections that reflect core sensibilities and emerging messages, whilst ensuring commerciality remains. An understanding of option count and ranging is essential.
• Demonstrates exceptional sourcing skills and can communicate effectively with UK, EU & International supplier base.
• Compulsory international travel for both range development & inspirational shopping.
• Working with the technical department fitting samples to production.
• Working with the Clo designer to create patterns from initial sketch.
• Working closely with the design HOD (Head of Department) and design team on colour palettes and trends for the coming seasons.
• Whilst Urban Outfitters prides itself on its individuality and self‑led trend direction, a level of knowledge and understanding of ‘high’ fashion trends, ‘underground street styles’ and wider ‘cultural movements’, must be shown and reported.
• Actively seeking weekly trade figures & utilising knowledge to impact design decisions for UK & EU alike.

What You’ll Need

• A solid understanding of Urban Outfitters as a trend maker and leader with the know‑how to take it to the next level.
• Previous management experience and the ability to lead and develop team members.
• Expertise in menswear – jersey and knit.
• Directional and aspirational portfolio whilst demonstrating an ability to interpret this ‘blue‑sky’ thinking into a well‑rounded, commercial range, relevant to the current market‑place.
• Precision and accuracy must be shown from concept stage through to specs and final designs.
• A love, passion and drive for chosen field.
• Individuality, creativity and style.
• Proven track record of delivering in‑season product.
• Proven ability of managing internal relationships and communications.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to identify new opportunities with exceptional communication and presentation skills at all levels.
• Hand‑drawing is a must‑have skill.
• Proficient CAD – Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign skills.
• Base‑level understanding of Clo & AI.
• Experienced working with a global supply base and be willing/open to global travel.
• A confident communicator; demonstrate exceptional organisational skills to manage workload and time‑pressures effectively.

The Perks

• Work‑life balance: Flexible start and finish times.
• Bring your dog to work.
• Well‑being: Employee 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: 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.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries: Retail, Retail Apparel and Fashion, and Consumer Services.