URBN Denim Product Director

URBN is looking for a Denim Product Director to set strategy, lead and implement operational processes to meet and deliver our URBN's product category vision. The Denim Product Director is a highly skilled individual and subject matter expert who can operate independently. The Denim business leader facilitates and executes Design’s vision by providing appropriate product development strategy while aligning with and driving the business requirements. The Denim Product Director is responsible to trouble shoot any issues such as fabric, wash/dye, and garment construction. This individual will take full ownership of the denim collection from inception to in store delivery. In this role, you will collaborate with the Sr. Category Director and take a lead role in training and supervising team members in all areas of product development (denim & garment dye) as well as sourcing.

• Execute brand’s vision through efficient raw materials’ sourcing and appropriate allocation of product that deliver brand’s aesthetic while meeting company financial goals (IMU goals) and timeline.
• Define and drive Global Denim Sourcing Strategy, ensure alignment with regional allocation and vendor capabilities.
• Ensure that deadlines are met; communicate issues proactively with the manager.
• Develop partnerships with mills & vendors to ensure alignment of category business needs and successful business partnership.
• Attend concept and Sketch Review meetings to understand and align with seasonal design’s vision and expectations.
• Lead daily operations to execute calendar deadlines and troubleshoot any potential issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to develop denim strategies for the season.
• Partner with Sr product coordinator in style development, sourcing allocation and costing.
• Follow up on cost from development to bulk, ensuring FOB is aligned with garments perceived value while hitting IMU goals and negotiating with vendors when needed.
• Analyze and identify opportunities to rationalize fabrics.
• Manage development and adoption rates at styles / fabric / wash level, measure against seasonal line plan actualization.
• Lead and challenge monthly line plan analysis for your category.
• Partner with Sr Category Director in the search, assessment and onboarding of new vendors.
• Other duties as specified by management.
• Mentor Sr product coordinator and junior team members.

• Minimum 12 years of progressive denim product development, sourcing, and pre-production experience within a complex and fast-moving environment.
• Strong knowledge of fabrics, washes and dye techniques.
• Experience working with denim mills, factories & laundry.
• Specialty retail and/or DTC experience is preferred.
• Proven success in building effective cross-functional communication and relationships with internal and external partners.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• In depth knowledge of product development’ process.
• Expertise on denim fabrics, washes and dye techniques.
• Works with a high sense of urgency and integrity in a fast-paced environment, quickly adapts to change, and is motivated by new challenges.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of garment construction & costing.
• Proactive and minimally dependent on the manager on how to carry out work.
• Able to execute projects within a given timeline.
• Ability to understand and fully incorporate the brand’s aesthetic.
• Pro-active decision maker and problem solving.
• Strong computer skills are required (MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and PLM)

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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

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.