General Merchandise Manager

Role Summary

URBN is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking General Merchandise Manager (GMM) merchant to champion the integration of innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This critical leadership role will be instrumental in driving enhanced agility, efficiency, and customer engagement across our business. The GMM will lead the merchandising vision, fostering strong collaboration across Tech Product Management, Data Science, Engineering, and other key functions to optimize assortments, minimize markdowns, and elevate the overall customer experience. This leader will be a catalyst for innovation, actively exploring and implementing new technological solutions to redefine the future of merchandising at URBN. A strong openness and excitement for innovation, coupled with a comfort level in learning and leveraging new technologies, is paramount for success in this role.

Role Responsibilities

• Define and own a comprehensive merchandising strategy that leverages emerging technologies, aligning with overarching business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Technology & Engineering, and Data Science teams to integrate data-driven insights and AI-powered tools into the product lifecycle management.
• Drive the adoption and utilization of AI and data analytics to identify emerging trends, predict demand, and optimize inventory in a dynamic environment.
• Lead the development and execution of agile assortment plans that capitalize on real-time trend identification and customer feedback, ensuring speed and relevance in our product offerings.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to streamline the end-to-end product lifecycle, from concept to digital experiences, with a focus on accelerating design, production, marketing, and more, the use of 3D design and AI tools.
• Develop and implement merchant strategies and processes that effectively integrate new technologies and data-driven insights.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team, encouraging the exploration and adoption of new technologies and processes.
• Champion data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics and iterative testing to optimize merchandising strategies and achieve business targets.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a newly formed agile team, ensuring they are comfortable and empowered to adopt new processes and technologies.

Role Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, with a strong track record of success in driving sales and profitability, ideally at a GMM level.
• Deep understanding of the fashion retail landscape, consumer trends, and competitive dynamics.
• Demonstrated passion for and a high level of comfort with leveraging technology and data to enhance merchandising strategies and processes, with a particular excitement for the potential of AI and machine learning.
• Experience in leading and developing merchandising teams within a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including technology, data science, tech design, production and sourcing.
• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset, with experience in utilizing analytics to inform merchandising decisions and measure performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, with a demonstrated ability to thrive in an ambiguous and rapidly evolving environment.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration) or equivalent experience.

The Perks

In this role you will be at the forefront of transforming merchandising through technology at URBN. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a portion of our business by leveraging the power of AI and cutting-edge technologies. You will lead a critical function, working alongside passionate and talented individuals to redefine merchandising processes and deliver exceptional value to our customers. If you are a strategic and visionary merchandising leader with a deep enthusiasm for technology-driven transformation, we invite you to join us in this exciting journey.

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

EEO Statement

URBN 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. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.