Urban Outfitters Department Manager - Oxford, UK

Urban Outfitters

Title: Department Manager

Reports to: Store Manager

Objective:

The main objective of this role is to assume total department accountability for sales, service profitability and loss prevention. To achieve a department environment that fosters creativity and inspires the Urban Outfitters customer. Ensure appropriate feedback and guidance is given in order to execute employee development. To assist senior management with all general store operations that falls within their sphere of responsibility. Participate in building community relationships that directly reflect the Urban culture. To uphold the Urban Outfitters “Peers Teaching Peers” philosophy.

Duties & Responsibilities

People:

• Recruit, motivate, develop and lead a store team
• Manage all aspects of performance development within the department team (Performance Appraisals, Individual Development Plans, Coaching and Counselling and Disciplinary actions)
• Recognise and develop talented individuals for advancement and growth within the organisation
• Uphold Company standards and act as a positive role model to others

Leadership & Communication:

• Inspire, motivate and encouraging teamwork among the team
• Conduct productive daily meetings to ensure that goals are met
• Effectively delegate projects while at the same time allowing others the creativity to succeed by making their own decisions
• Possess excellent communication skills in both written and verbal form

Managing the Environment:

• Oversee all levels of customer service by setting daily goals and expectations to create a positive store environment
• Exhibit excellent floor presence by training and coaching the store team on customer service, standards, product placement and time management
• Achieve Company-average mystery shop results by uphold the Company’s mystery shop standards

Operations:

• Perform all store-level operational procedures accurately and in a timely fashion, in accordance with all Company policies and procedures
• Achieve the store stock loss goals by overseeing adherence to loss prevention practices
• Assist in upholding Company Health & Safety regulations at all times in order to protect employees and customers against accidents and incidents

Merchandising & Display:

• Manage all aspects of the assigned department in collaboration with the Visual Merchandising Manager with regard to: training, shipment placement, markdowns, transfers, merchandising and store standards
• Understand and interpret current fashion trends in local markets in order to generate creative solutions
• Take an active role in ensuring floor sets for the department are well organised and scheduled appropriately

Commercial Awareness:

• Maximise departmental sales through analytical and creative management of merchandise from receipt to sales
• Utilise Company reports to react to trends and drive business
• Stay abreast of current trends and have a sound knowledge of customer profile by keeping up to date with external influences i.e. media and local community
• Manage stock levels appropriately (taking into consideration the store environment) through the understanding of relevant reports and market trends
• Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills to achieve and exceed store targets

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience in a management role working in a fast paced, high volume fashion retail environment
• Demonstrates strong operational skills
• An understanding of the Urban Outfitters culture and its appeal to the local market
• Ability to drive sales through excellent service, strong visual presentation, and a full understanding of the business

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