Urban Outfitters - Technical & Ethical Trade Manager (12 Month FTC)

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? 

This hybrid role requires an experienced Technical leader with strong Ethical Trade knowledge, capable of managing a medium‑sized team within a fast‑paced commercial fashion environment. The successful candidate will balance strategic Technical and Ethical initiatives with the efficient day‑to‑day running of the department.

You will lead Technical delivery across womenswear and menswear while overseeing Ethical Trade activity across the supply base, ensuring responsible working practices and supporting informed commercial decision‑making.

Speed, accuracy and sound judgement are essential, alongside the ability to influence Buying, Design, Production and external suppliers across global regions.

Technical Leadership & Operations

• →Manage the day‑to‑day running of the Technical department across womenswear and menswear apparel.
• →Lead, coach, train and develop a team of Technologists and Ethical Assistant.
• →Manage departmental budgets, including models and travel
• →Maintain and drive department standards, processes and ways of working
• →Ensure garments meet customer expectations for fit, performance and quality
• →Own and manage allocated product classes
• →Support sourcing initiatives by providing Technical and Ethical insight
• →Act as a Technical expert for the wider business, resolving complex product and manufacturing issues
• →Make timely, balanced and commercially sound Technical decisions
• →Analyse quality performance, including product returns and improvement opportunities
• →Drive departmental strategy as set by the Head of Technical
• →Lead and deliver Technical and cross‑functional projects in line with business priorities

Ethical Trade Management

• →Manage and embed the Ethical Trade approach across the vendor base
• →Maintain oversight of Ethical standards and working practices within factories
• →Manage day‑to‑day Ethical trade activity, including vendor engagement and issue resolution
• →Support the delivery and follow‑up of Ethical audits by partnering with vendors
• →Work with Buying and Sourcing teams to flag Ethical risks and support informed sourcing decisions
• →Build strong vendor relationships to encourage transparency and continuous improvement
• →Act as the point of contact for Ethical Trade queries within the business
• →Produce clear Ethical Trade updates and summaries for internal stakeholders
• →Balance Ethical considerations with commercial timelines and business needs

Essential

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in apparel Technical roles
• Proven experience managing and developing a medium‑sized team
• Strong leadership skills with the autonomy to manage self and others
• Experience working within a fast‑fashion or high‑volume commercial environment (essential)
• Confident decision‑maker with a flexible and practical approach
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams
• Strong Technical knowledge of:
  • Pattern cutting, garment construction and fit
  • Fabric performance and manufacturing techniques
  • Technical drawings, specifications and measurement
• Experience across multiple product categories and manufacturing models
• Ability to build effective internal and external relationships

Ethical Trade Experience

• Hands‑on experience managing Ethical Trade or social standards within a fashion supply chain
• Strong understanding of factory environments and labour standards
• Experience working with Ethical audits and improvement programmes
• Ability to identify Ethical risks and manage them within a commercial context
• Experience working with global vendors across multiple regions
• Strong organisation, communication and problem‑solving skills

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.