Senior Assistant Merchandiser

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

This role is suitable for an experienced Assistant Merchandiser who is highly commercial with a strong trading mentality. The role, while primarily supporting the Merchandiser across a range of categories, will allow the right candidate the opportunity to take ownership for their own areas.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support Merchandiser with Seasonal Plans and re-forecasts for all categories driven from sales history and Brand Strategy
• Support Merchandiser in managing OTB - continually identify risks/ opportunities to maintain flexibility
• Oversee intake margin alongside Buying counterparts. Agree target margins with Senior Planner and ensure these are met
• Ensure line cards are maintained on a weekly basis; propose rebuy dates and volumes required
• Develop strong partnerships with buyers to understand their vision and direction, establish an understanding of customers and buying trends
• Take accountability for in-season trading for assigned product areas - analyze trading patterns and identify opportunity for repeats, work with Buying to optimize speed to market.
• Closely monitor intake on a weekly basis. Ensure intake targets are being met on all product areas and are in line with Brand targets. Highlight intake risk to Senior Management team
• Manage MD and Promotional planning for product areas - strive to minimize MD and drive profitability
• Work within a clear critical path to operate an effective/timely product sign off process, appropriate for product lead-time
• Ensure effective distribution of stock to potentialise store and product performance
• Display an in-depth, customer-focused knowledge of market and trends, as well as store performance
• Ensure that the correct level of newness is present, and that correct mix of end use is phased in at the appropriate time
• Collate Seasonal price analysis - support Merchandiser with developing Regional pricing architecture
• Work with key Suppliers to improve efficiencies in lead times, shipping costs and communication
• Oversee department allocations and ensure all MAA's are fully trained and knowledgeable on using the allocation tool
• Guide on IAQ levels and monitor store tiers in line with option frameworks
• Review Web inventory. Work with Web team to maintain optimum DC stocks
• Manage a team of MAA's ensuring the accurate and timely execution of intake and allocation.
• Be responsible for coaching and developing MAA's
• Identify training and development needs within the MAA community and feedback to Management
• Build strong cross-functional relationships in order to align Commercial and Creative work streams

What You'll Need

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Strong understanding of Retail systems
• Experience with merchandising in a fashion or retail field
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrate logical analysis and positive problem solving skills
• Ability to analyse, present and communicate information in a manner that allows informed decision-making
• Ability to understand financial measurements and how to impact them
• Ability to build and maintain productive partnerships and demonstrate strong listening, oral and written communication skills
• Trading Mentality; ability to work at pace, challenge results and information to identify challenges, drive for results and track record of success.
• Profit Focused; skilled at finding opportunities to achieve profit in any situation, trading mentality to support and develop product areas
• Team Leadership; provides clear business goals for teams, supports and develops skills base
• Develops skills of the team; identifies individual training needs as well as encourages effective teamwork
• Impact & Influence; ability to present facts, opinions and proposals persuasively to colleagues, Senior Management Team and Merch Team

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