π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Urban Outfitters Brand Programs Manager
πΉ Company: Urban Outfitters
πΉ Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Retail
πΉ Date Posted: June 30, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π 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.
π Key Responsibilities
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Partnership Development: Co-create and execute the brand partnership strategy in collaboration with merchandising and marketing leadership.
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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.
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Cross-Functional Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between brand partners and Urban Outfittersβ shared services teams. Work closely with cross-functional teams to embed brand initiatives into broader business strategies.
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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.
π― 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.
π° 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.
π Applicant Insights
π 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.
π 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.
π 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.
πΌ 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.
π 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.
π 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.
β οΈ 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.
π 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.
π 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.
β 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.
π 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.
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.