At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ethical trade strategies and mentor a dynamic team to drive positive change.
- Company: Urban Outfitters, a creative hub for unique fashion and lifestyle products.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, employee discounts, wellness support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to authenticity and social responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ethical trade while working with a passionate community.
- Qualifications: Experience in ethical trade, strong communication skills, and a passion for fashion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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
As the Senior Ethical Trade Advisor for Urban Outfitters EU, you will serve as a strategic leader and subject matter expert dedicated to advancing ethical and human rights practices across our global supply chain. Reporting directly to Head of Technical, Ethical and Sustainability, you will play a pivotal role in shaping URBN’s ethical trade strategy during a period of rapid regulatory evolution. This role requires an experienced professional capable of navigating complex global supply chains, managing high-level stakeholder relationships, and mentoring a growing team to mitigate risk and drive systemic, positive changes.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of URBN EU’s ethical trade and human rights strategies, ensuring absolute alignment with impending and current global compliance laws.
- Oversee the evaluation of third-party ethical audits, developing advanced risk-mapping methodologies to identify, prioritise, and remediate systemic non-compliance issues globally.
- Drive strategic supplier engagement programs; partner with key vendors to move beyond basic compliance toward capacity building and ownership of worker welfare initiatives.
- Architect the framework for factory visits and worker-voice initiatives. Lead critical remediation processes for high-risk or complex non-compliance cases, both domestically (UK) and internationally.
- Act as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, including NGOs, industry bodies (e.g., ETI), and legal counsel. Represent Urban Outfitters EU in industry-wide collaborative initiatives.
- Design and deliver comprehensive internal training programs for buying and sourcing teams to embed ethical trading into purchasing practices, alongside sophisticated external workshops for global suppliers.
- Mentor, guide, and support the professional development of junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
What You'll Need
- Progressive experience in ethical trade and human rights preferably within the fashion, apparel, or retail sectors.
- Deep, up-to-date knowledge of international labor standards (ILO), human rights due diligence (HRDD), and EU forced labour legislation.
- Proven track record of influencing internal buying teams and external suppliers to balance commercial realities with ethical imperatives.
- Strong experience in managing complex remediation processes, dispute resolution, and addressing critical factory-level violations.
- Advanced capability in managing large-scale, cross-functional projects and utilising supply chain data/software to drive insights and accountability.
- A deep understanding of the Urban Outfitters EU aesthetic and customer base, paired with a passion for driving authentic, systemic change within the lifestyle and fashion industry.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex compliance data clearly to leadership and external auditors alike.
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 Ethical Trade Advisor (12 Month FTC) in London employer: Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is an exceptional employer that champions creativity, inclusivity, and responsibility, making it a vibrant place to work. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, including flexible working hours, comprehensive health support, and generous discounts, we foster a culture of collaboration and growth. As a Senior Ethical Trade Advisor, you will not only lead impactful change in ethical practices but also benefit from a supportive environment that values your professional development and personal expression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Urban Outfitters Senior Ethical Trade Advisor (12 Month FTC) in London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Urban Outfitters!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Urban Outfitters.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Urban Outfitters.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Urban Outfitters!
We think you need these skills to ace Urban Outfitters Senior Ethical Trade Advisor (12 Month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Urban Outfitters.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Urban Outfitters!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Urban Outfitters. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban Outfitters
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
