Overview

The Urban Outfitters Senior Designer works collaboratively with the Design Director to actively design, create and execute the vision of the brand. The Senior Design has a firm understanding Urban Outfitters' brand DNA and brings a strong point of view while leading, mentoring and inspiring team members and/or direct reports.

Responsibilities

Design / Production 

• Maintains and organized design space (samples, files, visual CADs, etc.) so that information is readily accessible to teammates 
• Monitors BOMS to confirm product information is complete, accurate, and handed off to PD team and vendors on time for prototypes and sample creation 
• Works with in-house sample room to drape desired shape draft pattern to send overseas or develop in-house 
• Reviews all incoming samples to present at Finalizations meetings; making sure submits are matching to standard 
• Effectively manages up 

• Has the ability to self-direct and problem solve, models responsibility and accountability
• Communicates effectively, seeks out other opinions, responds well/listens effectively to other’s ideas and suggestions 
• Presents ideas in a compelling manner with clear focus and decision making 

• Respectful and maintains positive, productive cross-functional relationships 

• Establishes high performance expectations for themselves and sets examples through own behavior 
• Collaborates with their manger on setting individual goals and ensures alignment with overall business objectives 
• Demonstrates curiosity and asks questions to probe for clarity. Asks/suggests rather than waiting to be told 

Drive 

• Develop, demonstrate, and maintain a strong knowledge of trends, target market demands, customer, brand objectives and design aesthetic
• Takes ownership of entire design process from initial inspiration to final sample and is fully responsible for entire product life-cycle including trend research, inspiration, sketches, mocks, garment specs, special details and fit 
• Self-starter who eagerly and proactively takes the initiative to gather information to get the job done 
• Creates and executes the vision of the Concept and Executive Design Director, ensuring that product is consistent with market trends in apparel, while maintaining the UO brand hand and business strategy 

Teamwork 

• Understand the dynamics of effective teamwork in order to attain higher levels of performance 

• Reviews issues and solutions with Design Director and collaborates with cross-functional partners in Buying, Product Development, and Production on a daily basis 
• Regularly solicits input/perspective from teammates, as well as direct reports 
• Collaborates with Print Color team to ensure prints and pattern are balanced and look integrated across various silhouettes
• Partners with Fabric team on seasonal raw material development 
• Demonstrates curiosity and asks questions to probe for clarity 
• Displays the ability to take direction from Senior Designer Director 
• Feedback is not taken personally and POV can be defended without defensiveness, but rather in a manner that promotes collaboration 
• Gives feedback constructively and in-the-moment; coaches and mentors direct reports 
• Creates learning opportunities for Associate and Assistant designers as a way to further develop their skillset and comprehension of the design process 

Leadership 

• Can design a large category or several smaller categories with minimal supervision and high-level creative direction
• Fosters a creative and positive team environment. Promotes a culture of “we” 
• Decisive; takes responsibility for final decision making to protect process, timeline, or outcome 
• Seen as a resource for cross-functional teams and peers 
• Oversees the management of high density and sample racks by working with direct reports to ensure samples are organized/boxed for sample sale in a timely manner 
• Demonstrates ownership over fabric development and road mapping throughout design process; has POV regarding fabric trend and evolution 
• Manages a team to design and develop product for assigned product categories 
• Solution oriented with the ability to anticipate problems, address issues and resolve challenges in a timely manner 

Business Acumen 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment 
• Works with Design Director to actively design, create and execute the vision of the brand 
• Strong communication and analytical skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with cross-functional partners: Design, Buying, Product Development, Print Color teams
• Clear POV. Translates seasonal concept into key items, styles, and outfits 
• Demonstrates ownership over fabric development and road mapping throughout design process; has POV regarding fabric trend and evolution 
• Provides feedback and approves all aspects of sample development before Finalization
• Ability to manage seasonal calendar, adheres to product development deadlines and key benchmark meetings 
• Designs a balanced collection appropriate to the demands of the business growth strategy

Skills

• Creative Vision: Demonstrate the vision to identify trends in their early stages and understand their impact to fashion, so we can be one step ahead for the aspirational customer.
• Expertise in taking aspirational ideas, focusing on the key details and make them work for a broader audience.
• Ability to research and report on industry trend direction, color direction, and fabric innovations approximately 9-12 months ahead of season. 
• Effectively use Adobe Illustrator for the CADing of design work and presentations.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate ideas and inspirations to others and to interact with Designers, Buyers and other Cross Functional partners.

Qualifications

• Ability to articulate ideas clearly, inspire and lead direct reports.
• Expert-level technical knowledge of apparel construction.
• Expert-level knowledge of fabric and trims as well as strong relationships with resources.
• Extensive knowledge of fabric treatments as well as wash and dye techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes.
• Ability to hand sketch and communicate design ideas via computer program.
• Ability to clearly communicate to overseas vendors.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, related field or commensurate experience preferred.

Location

Philadelpia, PA Full Time ONSITE

Travel

Some Travel my be required.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. 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.