Urban Outfitters Head of Technical, Ethical and Sustainability

Urban Outfitters started out as a single boutique in 1970s Philadelphia with creativity and uniqueness at its core. 50 years on, and over 60 stores across Europe later, we’ve become a destination for emerging design, unexpected styling, One-Of-A-Kind vintage and homeware that makes you want to hit the share button.  

We speak to a social community of over 10 million forward-thinking individuals, bringing together a nostalgia for the past with an enthusiasm to shape the future. The UO community are culturally aware, they shape the music scene, they live a digitally native life and they wear style trends before anyone else. At our core, we empower our customers and staff to express themselves, unapologetically, living life in a way that's truly authentic to them. 

We are always excited to bring new talent into the room, especially if you share our values: 

Progressive — we move with the mood 
Creative — we champion limitless minds 
Inclusive — we open our platforms to all communities 
Responsible — we work to reduce our impact on the environment 
Compassionate — we care for each other beyond the 9 to 5 

Sound like you, why not join us? 

You will be responsible for shaping and implementing the brand’s strategy around quality control, ethical trade, and sustainability. This management role will involve working cross-functionally to ensure that products meet the highest standards of quality, and compliance, whilst adhering to our commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical practices across the supply chain.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced line manager having responsibility for a medium sized team and must have worked in social and environmental impact. Progressive mindset and the ability to work in a fast-paced business is critical. This role will suit someone with high energy and a broad area of expertise in fashion retailing.

• Managing the day to day running of each discipline- quality, ethical trade and sustainability
• Setting and controlling of budgets and execution of strategies for each discipline
• Lead initiatives that support, and deliver, the brand strategy
• Cross functional collaboration, across the UK, EU and US businesses.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Drive continued growth through coaching and mentorship of team in line with brand values.
• Oversee and enhance product, with a fit and quality first mindset, ensuring that products meet or exceed brand and customer expectations.
• Oversee multiple product areas including mens and womens apparel, footwear, home and media.
• Support the integration of Clo 3D fit technology.
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners – traveling when required.
• Successful onboarding of new supply partners to meet the sourcing strategy and mitigate risk.
• Support the ethical trade team to deliver traceability of supply chain.
• Develop and execute a long-term sustainability strategy (UO in Progress) focused on material impact, waste reduction, and circularity.
• Champion the use of sustainable materials, packaging, and production processes.
• Engage with external sustainability organizations and other brands to ensure best practices and to foster a network of like-minded partners whilst keeping ahead of the changing regulatory landscape.
• Collaborate with product teams to integrate sustainable innovations into product development- with a focus on circularity.
• Collaborate with the marketing and creative teams to deliver authentic communications around the UO in Progress goals and achievements.
  
  

• Proven experience in a senior role focusing on quality control, ethics, and sustainability within the fashion industry or a related field.
• Experience in a technical, ethical trade and sustainability function.
• Experienced team leader, with a progressive mindset, who knows how to drive and develop a successful and passionate team.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Has a collaborative mindset and a drive to innovation and continuously improve.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• The ability to build great relationships is very important in this role.
• Knowledge of multi product manufacturing is also key.
• In depth understanding of sourcing and supply chain needs.
• Experience with sustainable materials, circular economy principles, and low-impact production techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards in the UK and internationally and familiarity with ever changing legislation in the EU.
• The ability to travel to visit factories and supply chain partners.

• Work-life balance:
  -Flexible start and finish times
  -Bring your dog to work
  
  
• Wellbeing:
  -Employees Assistance program to support with mental, physical and financial health
  -Fully equipped free gym and on-site wellness room in Brick Lane and 50% discount of external gym memberships
  -Private Medical Insurance
  
  
• Employee Discount:
  -Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People and more!)

• Community:
  -One paid day to either volunteer or fundraise for a charity of your choice

• Travel:
   -Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan

• Continued Development:
  -We offer structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development
  
  #UrbanEU #LI-JM2

URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.