Anthropologie Manager of Product Development - Knits

Anthropologie is seeking a Product Development Manager who is responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive product development strategy for their respective category/ categories.  The Product Development manager will lead cross-functionally, effect change, and set team goals within their core function. 

• Facilitate and execute brand’s vision through the appropriate allocation of product and the sourcing of materials which deliver the right aesthetic while meeting target product costs and time and action requirements.

• Support execution of a sourcing strategy focused on building vendor partnerships, executing regional strategies and factory allocation plans set by the PD Sr. Manager/Director.

• Build and promote key relationships between stakeholders to execute calendar and processes that drive speed-to-market initiatives.

• Attend Concept and Sketch Review meetings to understand and clarify Design’s intention, tone, and important style aspects. Coach direct reports in meeting preparation and expected outcomes.

• Manage bulk cost negotiations with vendor base; meet or exceed targets Review and drive component costing, challenge where necessary.

• Identify and drive opportunities for Merchant to improve adoption rates and approved style count targets as dictated by seasonal line plan.

• Collaborate with cross functional partners on engineering options for category target costs and minimums, required lead times, and final IMU, with the goal of driving speed, sales, and financial results.

• Manage with cross functional teams on category development process, including research of pre-style development, tracking and review of pre-style packages, ensuring compliance of product within category to internal testing standards, and managing sample evaluation, accuracy, and quality.

• Lead vendor conversations regarding strategic roadblocks and see through to resolution

• Provide strong leadership, management, development, and training to the sourcing and brand team members to direct deliverables, deadlines and hand-offs effectively.

• Manage and coach direct reports to effectively to support KPI's and strategies set for their managed areas.

• Empower direct reports to make decisions and support their professional development. Provide regular feedback on performance and identify growth opportunities.

• 8+ years of product development and sourcing experience within a complex, fast paced apparel/home furnishings environment.  Specialty retail and/or direct-to-consumer experience is preferred.

• Proven success in a leadership role managing direct report(s).

• A successful track record of building relationships with cross functional partners and offering new and innovative solutions to development issues/challenges.

• Experience developing and leveraging strategic business relationships with vendors/suppliers.

• Ability to anticipate business/brand needs and to create long term solutions.

• Process improvement capabilities including proven examples of implementing operational efficiencies.

• Works with a high sense of urgency and integrity and is motivated by deadlines and new challenges.

• Solves problems for teams and is able to coach others effectively.

• Verbal & written communication supports relationship building and goal achievement.

• Ability to run effective meetings with global vendor community

• Can resolve deadline impact issues independently

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.