Knits Category Manager for Urban Outfitters (3121)

Our goal at Urban Outfitters is to be the brand of choice for well-educated, urban-minded young adults. We accomplish our objective by creating a differential shopping experience, which creates an emotional bond with the 18 to 30 year old target customer we serve. Currently, we operate more than 123 stores in the US, Canada, and Europe. Our stores offer a unique and eclectic mix of fashion merchandise in a lifestyle sensitive store environment. Products range from women's & men's apparel, accessories and footwear to items for the apartment, as well as gifts and novelties.

Urban Outfitters offers its customers the opportunity to shop online, through our catalog or in stores.




Category Manager for Knits

Reports to: Brand Director

Oversees: Product Development Coordinators; Associate Production Manager

Objective: Lead and manage the category team from concept to delivery into the distribution center. Create and adhere to brand calendar. Establish Strategic plans with the intent to meet brand objectives including IMU, MMU & Sales Plan and brand right product.

Job Skills: Strong leadership and communication skills as necessary to orchestrate the efforts of others, both internally and externally, toward desired end results Ability to work with all levels of management and in a matrix reporting environment Ability to think analytically and plan strategically to the needs of the business Strong problem predicting and problem solving skills that allow for a proactive approach to the business Knowledge of raw material development and sourcing & costing globally Ability to analyze and determine cost of goods Ability to visit a buying office or factory and assess whether or not the facility has the necessary infrastructure and is capable of handling the Company's development and production needs Technical knowledge of raw materials and apparel construction Strong organization skills in order to handle multiple tasks and reports and complete them within deadlines Must have solid experience with washes

Responsibilities:

Sourcing: Possess the ability to create a development calendar based on multiple lead-times and requirements and monitor adherence Research and Development of new fabrics & trims that will enhance the established sourcing strategy of esthetic & cost. Effectively coordinate the process of new fabric developments, trims and washes using line plan for planning purposes. Allocate accurately and successfully to the established parameters of corporate sourcing matrix strategy for both suppliers & mills Actively monitor existing suppliers & mills and new resources for potential key supplier development Actively monitor internal and external processes and performance to insure we are continually optimized for speed to market Be an expert in development lead-times globally and use the knowledge to challenge vendors, working to reduce when possible Development yearly projections by supplier. Monitor actual bookings on a regular basis and make adjustments to plans accordingly Develop and monitor production capacities for vendors on a monthly basis with the intent to book production space as required Provide Analysis on Developed Fabrics & Styles vs Line Plan. Report on Calendar Actualization. Anticipate potential quality problems of new styles and fabrics Understand and manage product development costs; work towards strategies for reducing and/or eliminating development charges Manage the chase/ reorder process to ensure required lead-times & processes are met Provide Proto Rating in Web PDM and act accordingly based on results

Costing: Take a proactive approach to prices and offer up cost competitive alternatives during product development Understand raw material costing for product development and negotiation purposes Possess ability to predict best estimated garment costing in sketch and style development stages and balance with merchants' target retail needs. Ability to provide fair and accurate price range targets to suppliers according to established corporate guidelines. Analyze and negotiate all final costing components incrementally after orders are placed. Understand global costing Ability to review mini-markers and identify opportunities in efficiency and cost Understand fit and design modifications that affect price and follow through with vendors for updating as required Insure opening and final PO's are made available to production team in accordance with established guidelines.

Manage the Time and Action Process: Monitor T&A gathering; understand predictable and expected production timing; insure validity and compliance. Review vendors' and internal adherence to the approval calendar and manage by exception Ensure vendors' and internal adherence to the Bulk Fitting process

Management of WIP: Manage the order placement process to ensure the best possible deliveries are acquired Oversee management of the WIP for potential delivery issues--troubleshoot and offer workable strategic solutions Personnel Management: Supervise the efforts of the Product Development Coordinators and Assistants Supervise a close interface between PD team and production team that results in consistent on-time deliveries Responsible for personnel duties such as monitoring performance, training, providing motivation and constructive feedback Identify and develop staff for succession planning. Develop and execute cross-functional training activities

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