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Urban Outfitters Brand Programs Manager

Urban Outfitters
Full-time
On-site
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Urban Outfitters Brand Programs Manager

πŸ”Ή Company: Urban Outfitters

πŸ”Ή Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Retail

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: June 30, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing and strengthening partnerships with external apparel brands
  • Ensuring strategic alignment and effective execution of brand activities
  • Creating a comprehensive playbook and coordinating cross-functional plans
  • Supporting Urban Outfitters' long-range growth

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and strong project management skills to succeed in building and maintaining brand partnerships.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Partnership Development: Co-create and execute the brand partnership strategy in collaboration with merchandising and marketing leadership.

βœ… Relationship Management: Oversee all high-impact brand engagements, ensuring they are well-organized, strategically aligned, and communicated clearly. Drive the annual strategic planning process with brand partners.

βœ… Cross-Functional Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between brand partners and Urban Outfitters’ shared services teams. Work closely with cross-functional teams to embed brand initiatives into broader business strategies.

βœ… Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Deliver consistent performance updates and insights. Track progress against strategic plans and brand initiatives. Provide regular updates to senior leadership.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and communication with both internal teams and external brand partners.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 5+ years of experience in merchandising and/or project management, with a deep understanding of the retail and apparel industry.

Required Skills:

  • Strategic Thinking: Developing long-term plans and strategies to optimize inventory and support business goals.
  • Analytical Thinking: Uses data to interpret brand performance data, translates insights into action, and identifies trends.
  • Detail Orientation: Maintains accuracy and consistency across communications, plans, and reporting. Ensures all brand interactions are executed with precision and professionalism.
  • Project Management: Leads complex, cross-functional, highly visible initiatives from planning through execution. Manages timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder alignment with discipline and clarity.
  • Partnership Development: Builds strong, trust-based relationships with external brand partners and internal teams. Facilitates collaboration that drives mutual value and long-term success.
  • Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to changing market conditions and business needs.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying issues in the supply chain and developing strategies to address them.
  • Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines.
  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with planning software and tools like O9 Planning, Excel, and other inventory management systems.
  • Financial Acumen: Understanding financial metrics such as gross margin, inventory turnover, and open-to-buy management.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should possess a strong combination of strategic, analytical, and project management skills to excel in this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level retail management role in Philadelphia)

Benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO
  • Generous Employee Discounts
  • Retirement Savings

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility based on business needs)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Retail, focusing on apparel, home goods, and vintage items for a young adult demographic.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: 1970, with a rich history in the retail industry and a strong focus on creativity and emerging design.

Company Description:

  • Urban Outfitters started as a single boutique in the 1970s and has since grown into a global retailer with a unique blend of vintage, apparel, and home goods.
  • The company prides itself on its creativity, curation, and commitment to emerging design and trends.
  • Urban Outfitters offers a vibrant work environment that encourages innovation and self-expression.

Company Specialties:

  • Buying and merchandising
  • Design and creative services
  • Finance and IT
  • Property management
  • E-commerce and marketing
  • Press and graphic design
  • Talent acquisition and development

Company Website: https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/

ASSUMPTION: Urban Outfitters' unique blend of vintage and contemporary products sets it apart in the retail industry, offering a distinctive shopping experience for its customers.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level management, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Manager of Brand Partnerships and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, marketing, and shared services.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and face-to-face interaction with both internal teams and external brand partners.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement within the brand partnerships team or related departments
  • Expanding responsibilities and influence within the organization
  • Potential opportunities in international markets as Urban Outfitters continues to grow globally

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic, operational, and relationship-building responsibilities, providing a well-rounded experience for the right candidate.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Urban Outfitters' headquarters is located in a vibrant, urban area, offering a dynamic work environment with easy access to amenities and public transportation.

Office Location(s): 5000 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19112

Geographic Context:

  • Philadelphia is a major East Coast city with a rich cultural scene, offering a diverse range of entertainment, dining, and recreational opportunities.
  • The city is home to numerous universities and colleges, providing a steady stream of young talent and a vibrant nightlife.
  • Philadelphia has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cold winters.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard workweek of Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to attend industry events or meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The urban work environment and vibrant city culture provide an engaging and inspiring backdrop for this role.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • In-depth behavioral interview with the hiring manager and a cross-functional team member
  • Final interview with the Senior Manager of Brand Partnerships
  • Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Project management and organizational skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Industry knowledge and understanding of brand partnerships

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, emphasizing your strategic mindset, project management abilities, and industry knowledge.
  • Prepare examples of successful brand partnerships or projects you've managed, demonstrating your ability to drive results and build strong relationships.
  • Research Urban Outfitters' unique brand and company culture to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the company's values.

ATS Keywords: Brand partnerships, strategic planning, project management, cross-functional collaboration, retail, apparel, merchandising, marketing, relationship management

ASSUMPTION: Urban Outfitters' hiring process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • O9 Planning
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Other inventory management systems

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with planning software and tools is essential for success in this role, as they are used to manage inventory, track performance, and coordinate cross-functional initiatives.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Creativity
  • Curiosity
  • Collaboration
  • Authenticity
  • Inclusivity

Work Style:

  • Fast-paced and dynamic
  • Collaborative and cross-functional
  • Focused on innovation and emerging trends
  • Data-driven and strategic

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment that emphasizes creativity and collaboration?
  • Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of internal teams and external partners to drive strategic initiatives?
  • Do you possess a strong strategic mindset, with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans and adapt to changing market conditions?

ASSUMPTION: Urban Outfitters values candidates who are creative, curious, collaborative, and authentic, with a strong commitment to inclusivity and a passion for emerging design and trends.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple brand partnerships simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Navigating a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines
  • Balancing the needs and expectations of both internal teams and external brand partners
  • Adapting to changing market conditions and industry trends, requiring continuous learning and growth

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong strategic thinking, project management, and relationship-building skills to succeed.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Unlike traditional merchandising or marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on brand partnerships, requiring a unique blend of strategic, operational, and relationship-building skills.
  • In the retail industry, brand partnerships play a critical role in driving growth and differentiation, making this role a strategic priority for Urban Outfitters.
  • This role offers a clear path for career growth and advancement within the brand partnerships team or related departments, providing opportunities for increased responsibility and influence.

ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from other retail management positions, requiring a unique combination of skills and experience to succeed in building and maintaining brand partnerships.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive brand partnership strategy for a high-profile external apparel brand
  • Coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver a successful brand activation event, driving customer engagement and sales
  • Analyzing brand performance data to identify trends and opportunities, informing strategic planning and decision-making

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, operational, and relationship-building aspects of this role, providing a well-rounded experience for the right candidate.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the typical brand partnership lifecycle and how this role supports each stage?
  • How does this role collaborate with cross-functional teams, and what are the key priorities for each team?
  • What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
  • How does Urban Outfitters support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in this role?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can the right candidate overcome these obstacles?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities associated with this role.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the Urban Outfitters careers portal
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, emphasizing your strategic mindset, project management abilities, and industry knowledge.
  • Prepare examples of successful brand partnerships or projects you've managed, demonstrating your ability to drive results and build strong relationships.
  • Research Urban Outfitters' unique brand and company culture to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the company's values.
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.