At a Glance
- Tasks: Support franchise planning and buying processes while analysing sales and inventory.
- Company: Join Urban Outfitters, a creative hub with a unique culture and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, employee discounts, wellness support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on creativity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team shaping the future of fashion retail.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion retail planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 are looking for a Senior Assistant Merchandiser to join our Franchise team here at UO! You will support the Franchise Planner and Director in embedding the GCC franchise partner into Core planning and buying processes, focusing on pre-season buy analysis and how Core process links to partner requirements. This role provides the analytical and process backbone that sits behind that relationship, keeping Franchise low-touch for Core teams by using existing tools rather than adding complexity.
What You'll Be Doing
Pre-Season Planning
- Track Core planning deadlines against partner deadlines, ensuring the right information (sales plans, buy plans, dispatch by week) flows at the right time
- Support analysis of depth vs width by store, and how this is reflected in buys and allocations
- Feed into the seasonal Option Framework review process, ensuring IAQ, line life and options align with agreed OTB parameters
- Help track adjustments issued to buy against what is allocated weekly (tiering, IAQs, options, STOPS)
- Monitor plan vs actual and flag risks/opportunities to the Director
- Support sizing analysis post inventory-file cleanse to capture market opportunity in planning and allocation
- Plan seasonal Franchise Store Sales & OTB requirements with the partner, adhering to internal Buying, Planning & Finance deadlines; liaise closely with the partner on opportunities, risks, expected stock turn/cover, phasing & ASP
- Plan forward season Franchise Division & Class Sales & OTB mixes, ensuring close alignment with Core business whilst considering market trading differences; issue Buy Adjustments to Core teams in line with internal deadlines
- Manage and review the Franchise planning calendar, ensuring the Franchise team and partner adhere to relevant planning deadlines
- Input into seasonal Lessons learnt and Strategy conversations with Franchise planner – also feeding back big deals to core teams.
In-Season Trading Support
- Support the Branch Merchandising Planner on inventory management, protecting flow of newness and bestsellers
- Help introduce and maintain planning tools such as WSSI and option planning
- Support sign-off process for markdown and promotional proposals; monitor Franchise FP/MD mix and influence partner MD strategy to align closely with Core business
- Provide Core insight into class mix, growth/decline distortions, and how these feed the B&P process
- Support monitoring of seasonality parameters, including aging as a key attribute
- Support partner Recode sign-off process, ensuring partner is aligned with Core business whilst reacting to market exceptions
Process & Projects
- Help align the partner with Core ways of working, and feed back how partner pre-season planning could inform changes to Core process
- Assist with the review of the Local Buys process, including reviewing critical path, collating and sharing selected Core buy information where relevant, and managing the sign-off process
- Support the Director on scoping ad hoc projects
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with the Branch Merchandising Planner on trading viewpoint and stock package alignment
- Work with Buying, Logistics and Finance to resolve supply chain, allocation and margin issues
- Lead the quarterly Sales & Dispatch Review meeting with Azadea, inputting into and actioning any agreed amends to sales & OTB
What You'll Need
- Proven experience in planning or merchandising within fashion retail; wholesale/franchise experience preferred
- Strong Excel skills (WSSI, OTB modelling); exposure to MicroStrategy or similar BI tools an advantage
- Confident numerical and analytical skills, with sound commercial judgement
- Clear communicator, comfortable presenting analysis to senior stakeholders
- Highly organised, deadline-driven, and comfortable working across time zones
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.
Urban Outfitters Senior Assistant Merchandiser, Franchise in London employer: Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters in Bath is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and a vibrant store culture, making it an ideal place for those passionate about retail leadership. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the company offers generous perks such as discounts and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Urban Outfitters Senior Assistant Merchandiser, Franchise in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Urban Outfitters, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Urban Outfitters!
We think you need these skills to ace Urban Outfitters Senior Assistant Merchandiser, Franchise in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Urban Outfitters, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Urban Outfitters and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Urban Outfitters that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Outfitters
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
