Urban Outfitters Design Director

Job Title

Urban Outfitters – Design Director

Overview

The Design Director is responsible for creating a seasonal collection of innovative product appropriate for the Urban Outfitters customer while leading and mentoring the Design team.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative and trend driven collections as well as ongoing fast turn product
• Facilitate the seasonal development calendar in collaboration with the Design Manager
• Guide the Designers in the development of styles that support the seasonal design concepts and fulfill the needs of the business.
• Prepare for and participate in all relevant product meetings
• Collaborate with Print & Color team on seasonal print & color direction and assortment
• Manage the teams’ budgets, ensuring monthly budget requirements are met
• Function as leader, mentor, and manager for the design team
• Partner with Executive Leaderhip on seasonal inspiration, concept direction and trend.
• Collaborate with Design and crossfunctional leadership teams to ensure outstanding design execution while meeting business objectives.
• Oversee branding of the seasonal assortment and work to build, improve, and elevate brand identity
• Work closely with other category Design Directors to cross pollinate ideas, outfitting, assortment balance and maintain seasonal design direction

Skills

• Creative Vision: Have the vision to identify trends in their early stages and understand their impact to fashion, so we can be one step ahead for the aspirational customer. Have the expertise to take aspirational ideas, focusing on the key details and make them work for a broader audience.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate ideas and inspirations to others and to collaborate with all crossfunctional partners.
• Leadership skills to inspire, motivate, lead, develop and coach people and the recognition that building a team is critical to the Company’s success.
• Organizational skills necessary to manage: multiple tasks and projects, and complete them within deadlines. The ability to delegate and direct the daily activities of the assistants and associate designers and provide direction to the team.
• Provide Creative Direction that give Urban a point of difference in the market without being too obscure.
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly and inspire.

Qualifications

• 10+ years Design experience.
• Expert-level technical knowledge of apparel construction
• Willing to relocate and reside in or within a commutable distance to Philadelphia, PA
• Demonstrated understanding of retail industry and ability to identify product opportunities and offer innovative design solutions
• Extensive knowledge of fabric treatments as well as wash and dye techniques
• Exceptional knowledge of relevant culture, trends and the Urban Outfitters customers
• Outstanding level of taste evidenced in professional design portfolio.
• Expert-level knowledge of fabric and trims as well as strong relationships with resources
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or related field preferred.

Location

On-site Philadelphia, PA

Travel

Some travel may be required.

Salary Range

If Applicable

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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, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment.