Urban Outfitters - Head of Planning

About Us

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.

We are always excited to bring new talent into the room, especially if you share our values:

• Progressive — we move with the mood
• Creative — we champion limitless minds
• Inclusive — we open our platforms to all communities
• Responsible — we work to reduce our impact on the environment
• Compassionate — we care for each other beyond the 9 to 5

Sound like you? Why not join us?

Role Summary

We’re looking for a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Head of Merchandising to lead our merchandising team and drive the development and execution of our product assortment across all channels. As the Head of Merchandising, you will be responsible for overseeing product selection, pricing strategies, inventory management, and ensuring a seamless integration between buying, planning, and marketing teams. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong understanding of retail trends, customer preferences, and the ability to deliver growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Partner with Buying Director and Head of Buying to deliver profitable departments.
• Operate strategically, overseeing teams and processes.
• Analyze trading patterns and ensure appropriate actions.
• Identify promotional opportunities and manage the process.
• Guide teams and agree on department strategies.
• Operate an effective product sign-off process.
• Provide solutions to team issues and act as a trouble-shooter.
• Build a strong, reactive team with a focus on succession planning.
• Provide positive leadership and support brand strategy.
• Develop team skills and manage personnel issues promptly.
• Ensure effective stock distribution and customer-focused market knowledge.
• Plan product mix by market and store type.
• Drive teams to think strategically on routes to margin.
• Coordinate projects and provide two-way communication.
• Provide clear, accurate, and professional reporting.

What You’ll Need

• Market and customer focus with high awareness of competitors.
• Strategic thinking and ability to initiate new business directions.
• Trading mentality with a track record of success.
• Ability to manage change and deliver required updates.
• Profit-focused with skills to achieve profit in any situation.
• Results-focused with the ability to prioritize impactful initiatives.
• Problem-solving skills to identify root causes and propose solutions.
• Ability to influence and present proposals persuasively.
• Strong team leadership with clear business goals and performance management.

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 off 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.

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