Urban Outfitters Assistant Store Manager - Oxford, UK

Location: SU1F Westgate, Oxford, OX11TR, United Kingdom. The main objective of this role is to assist with the operations of the store and support the store manager to achieve strategic short and long term goals. Assume store accountability for sales, service, profitability and loss prevention. To achieve a store community that fosters creativity and inspires the Urban Outfitters customer. Ensure appropriate feedback and guidance is given in order to execute a high rate of succession and employee development. Participate in building community relationships that directly reflect the Urban culture. To uphold the Urban Outfitters Peers Teaching Peers philosophy.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Overseeing a large team.
• Recruit, train and develop managers to increase the day to day productivity of the business.
• Assist with the development of Department Managers to ensure succession planning for the future growth of the business.
• Manage aspects of performance development (Performance Appraisals, Individual Development Plans, Coaching and Counselling and Disciplinary actions) for a productive and successful workforce.
• Uphold Company standards and act as a positive role model to others.

Leadership & Communication

• Ensure Department Managers conduct and execute productive daily and department meetings.
• Model the way for the store team and inspire a shared vision.
• Assist and participate with the roll‑out of new training and operational initiatives.
• Possess excellent communication skills in both written and verbal form.

Managing The Environment

• Coach management to take the initiative as leaders to oversee all levels of customer service and by setting daily goals and expectations to create a positive store environment.
• Exhibit excellent floor presence by training and coaching the store team on customer service, standards, product placement and time management.
• Achieve Company‑average mystery shop results by guiding the team to uphold the Company’s customer service standard.

Operations

• In the absence of the Store Manager conduct walkthroughs with the Visual Merchandising Manager and Department Managers on a regular basis with constructive feedback and obtainable goals.
• Guide the team to perform all store‑level operational procedures accurately and in a timely fashion, in accordance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Achieve the store stock loss goals by training loss prevention awareness and overseeing adherence to loss prevention practices.
• Participate in a functional shipment processing system to ensure that merchandise is placed promptly and the sales floor is fully stocked.
• Possess excellent organisational skills and have the ability to plan, organise and execute projects by priority.
• Assist in upholding Company Health & Safety procedures at all times in order to protect employees and customers against accidents and incidents.

Merchandising & Display

• Facilitate communication between the management and creative team in order to enhance the store environment and efficiently execute all merchandising projects.
• Coach others to understand and interpret current fashion trends in local markets in order to generate creative solutions.
• Ensure floor sets are well organised, schedules appropriately, cleanly executed and completed timely.
• Assist Store Manager to maximise store sales through analytical and creative management of merchandise from receipt to sales.
• Exhibit a sound understanding of the store’s profitability and guide team members to utilise Company reports to react to trends and drive business.
• Stay abreast of current trends and have a sound knowledge of customer profile by keeping up to date with external influences i.e. media and local community.
• Manage stock levels appropriately (taking into consideration the store environment) through the understanding of relevant reports and market trends.
• Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills to achieve and exceed store targets.

What You’ll Need

• Experience in a management role working in a fast paced, high volume fashion retail environment.
• Upholding excellent VIBE and a service‑orientated culture.
• Ability to positively impact statistical results in sales, payroll and stock loss.
• Proven record of developing talented individuals at Department Manager level.
• Can demonstrate the ability to identify problems and implement creative solutions (back of house, scheduling, organisation).
• An appreciation and understanding of the Urban Outfitters culture and its appeal to the local market.

The Perks

• Work Life Balance: Life Leave – one day a year to take time off for those big events in life, in addition to your annual leave entitlement.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance program to support with mental, physical and financial health. Discount off external gym memberships. Private Medical Insurance for eligible employees.
• Employee Discounts: Up to 40% employee discount at all URBN Brands.
• Travel: Season ticket loan for eligible employees. Cycle to work scheme for eligible employees.
• 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.