Urban Outfitters Buyer - Dresses

Title: Urban Outfitters Dress Buyer

Reports to: Merchandising Manager, Soft Wovens

Objective: To deliver the sales and profit plan for Dresses through the precise execution of a well-conceived merchandise strategy. Contribute to e-commerce marketing efforts and lead product development of online exclusive product.

Responsibilities:

ASSORTMENT EXECUTION

• Build an assortment that is brand appropriate
• Support online expansion and testing opportunities
• Suggest category extensions / web exclusives to further growth
• Continually create newness in concepts to add freshness to the assortment
• Create a balanced assortment in terms of: fashion vision, quality, fit, value, price point, style/SKU count and key item depth
• Edit to appropriate blend of private label and branded product

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN

• Generate appropriate quantity and quality of innovative and creative idea
• Demonstrate understanding of industry trends and apply them to the product development process to create a plethora of web expansion styles
• Build a relationship with the Design team that fosters development of innovative, relevant and fashion-forward designs
• Build a relationship with the Production team that takes into consideration manufacturing limitations, yet pushes our expectations of quality, lead time and price/value

MARKET SKILLS AND AWARENESS

• Represent the brand with integrity and authority
• Negotiate price, delivery, exclusivity, and terms to support business objectives
• Exhibit market awareness through knowledge of relevant brands and reference points
• Build a relationship with the market that results in a differentiated product mix
• “Sell” the brand and attract suppliers and new brands to Urban’s mix

PLANNING

• Maximize markdown dollars and understand seasonality
• Manage the Open to Buy (OTB) plan by utilizing flow sheets and item plans, and know when to change the OTB based on business needs
• Analyze the business and react with timely reorders and cancellations

COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP

• Communicate clearly, concisely, timely and professionally
• Keep individual, division, and total company goals in mind when making decisions
• Be decisive and support decisions with facts and analysis
• Support the recruiting efforts of the brand by bringing in new talent and selling the company to those we wish to attract
• Listen to others; be a team player and a healthy competitor
• Provide leadership to employees and to peers and fosters an environment of continual training and development

Education Requirement: Bachelors Degree

Experience Requirement:

• 5+ years of progressive buying experience with a retailer
• Experience managing Assistant and Associate Buyers
• Product Development Experience in a fashion apparel category

Urban Outfitters, Inc. celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.