Urban Outfitters - Senior Menswear Buyer, Own Buy

URBN; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Menswear Buyer to lead the curation of a dynamic product assortment that resonates with customers. This role is pivotal in shaping the menswear category, leveraging market insights and trends to drive sales growth. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the menswear market, excellent analytical and negotiation skills, and a passion for innovative product development. Join a vibrant team that values creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability, and make a significant impact in a fast-paced retail environment.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Employee Assistance Program

Free gym membership

Private medical insurance

Employee discount

Paid volunteer day

Cycle to work scheme

Season ticket loan

Ongoing learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in buying and product development within menswear.
• Ability to analyze trends and customer behavior for product assortment.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage the menswear assortment aligned with brand vision.
• Collaborate across functions to ensure effective delivery of concepts.
• Drive departmental sustainability goals and maximize margin opportunities.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Trend Analysis

Communication

Vendor Management

Education

Experience in Buying

Product Development Knowledge

Job description

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

The Senior Menswear Buyer at Urban Outfitters is responsible for curating and managing the menswear assortment to align with the brand's vision and customer needs. Working closely with design, planning, and the buying team, this role involves product selection, vendor negotiations, and inventory management. The Senior Menswear Buyer will leverage market trends, sales data, and customer insights to make informed buying decisions while ensuring profitability.

This role requires strong knowledge of the menswear market and excellent analytical skills. The Senior Menswear Buyer will play a key role in shaping the menswear category and driving sales growth through a cohesive and on-trend product offering.

What You'll Be Doing

• Demonstrate a fresh perspective to deliver a market leading menswear offer both online and across retail territories.
• Create balanced ranges both emerging and relevant to the urban customer focusing on quality, value, and key volume.
• Collaborate across functions to ensure complete delivery of concept to customer.
• Work closely with global partners to leverage all opportunities.
• Strong ability to trade and deliver in-season, as well as longer lead strategic initiatives.
• Maintain excellent supplier relationships, identify gaps in sourcing and develop new relationships to support.
• Drive individual, departmental, and total business goals through seasonal initiatives.
• Present strategy, ideas and concepts to senior management.
• Provide leadership to employees and to peers and foster an open environment of continual training and development.
• Work together with Planners/Merchandisers to develop effective line plans.
• Manage the Open to Buy (OTB) plan, knowing when to change the OTB based on business needs.
• Analyse the business and react with timely reorders and cancellations.
• Maximise margin opportunities and reduce markdown.
• Understand seasonality and manage critical path accordingly.
• Liaise with PR, Marketing, Web, Visual Merchandising and Retail Operations teams to ensure that sales are maximized, and the department reaches its full potential.
• Lead and deliver departmental sustainability goals.
• Represent the brand with integrity and authority, being a true brand ambassador for the business.

What You'll Need

• Proven experience in buying and product development, ideally within menswear own-buy, with a strong understanding of the UK and European markets.
• Ability to analyse trends, customer behaviour, and competitor activity to curate an innovative and relevant product assortment.
• Experience in managing OTB and sales analysis to drive profitability while maintaining brand identity.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage a team, collaborate across departments, and present strategies to senior stakeholders.
• Passion for trend-led product development, working with vendors to create fresh, unique, and first-to-market styles that resonate with the Urban Outfitters customer.
• Commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring responsible sourcing and a progressive product mix.
• Skilled in negotiation and vendor management, sourcing new partners, and securing the best quality, pricing, and exclusivity.
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, reactive environment, responding quickly to market shifts and traveling internationally as needed.

The Perks

· Work-life balance: Flexible start and finish times, bring your dog to work.
· Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Program, free gym, private medical insurance.
· Employee Discount: Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands.
· Community: One paid day to volunteer or fundraise for a charity.
· Travel: Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan.
· Continued Development: Structured support and ongoing learning opportunities.

#UrbanEU #LI-MT1

Equal Opportunity Statement

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.