Free People Made to Measure: Merchant Leadership Program

Urban Outfitters•Philadelphia, PA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The URBN Made to Measure (M2M) Program is a collection of highly-tailored early career programs designed to provide hands-on training, skill development, and mentorship to highly-qualified young professionals. As an M2M: Merchant participant, you will embark on a 12-week immersive journey surrounding URBN’s product lifecycle. This is not just a job; it is a structured acceleration into the world of buying. You will spend dedicated time learning across critical business functions to build a true URBN "merchant" mindset. Upon completion of the program you will be placed into a full time entry level buying position. This program is based at our corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. The Experience: Unlike a standard entry-level role, this program is designed as a phased learning experience to "future-proof" your career: Phase 1: Immersive Education (9 Weeks): You will explore the full buying and merchandising cycle through classroom education, cross-functional exposure, and real-world immersions. This includes deep dives into Foundations & Strategy, Assortment Building, and Execution & Market Response. Phase 2: Tactical Onboarding (3 Weeks): You will shift into day-to-day responsibilities within your specific brand team (Anthro, Free People, UO, or Nuuly) with structured support. Phase 3: Entry Level Buying: After your 12 week immersive development you will begin your journey working as an entry level buyer within your designated team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (completed by Summer 2026), in Fashion Merchandising or Retail driven major
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets (formatting, navigation).
A deep, authentic connection to the URBN portfolio and an understanding of our unique customer lifestyles.
A "no task too small" attitude and the confidence to run your business like it's your own.
An aptitude to calculate data, basic percentages, understand profit vs. revenue, and have a natural eye for trends for our URBN customer
Demonstrating a high coachability by absorbing feedback to immediately improve performance while being proactive and resourceful
An excitement to build a career in the buying pathway

Responsibilities

Order Management and Product Flow Learn how to manage the end-to-end purchase order process, including entry and tracking to ensure 100% data accuracy and timely delivery.
Catalog and organize physical samples for all seasonal sets, ensuring the "merchant floor" and trend boards reflect the current business strategy.
Identify and communicate delivery delays to cross-functional teams with a high sense of urgency to mitigate impacts on sales.
Strategic Analytics & Financial Acumen Utilize foundational retail math (markups, margins, sell-through, and turn) to assist the Buyer in meeting or exceeding departmental profit goals.
Aid in preparation of weekly sales "recap" reports and other ad-hoc reporting to present to senior leadership, highlighting best-sellers and slow-moving inventory.
Leverage AI-driven insights and historical data to forecast demand and identify growth opportunities within a specific product categories
Trend Research and Collaboration Assist in selecting and developing a cohesive product line that balances the brand’s "aesthetic soul" with commercial viability.
Stay up to date with trends across runway, streetwear, social media and competitors
Partner with Design, Production, and Planning teams to move products through the lifecycle from initial concept to the customer’s hands.
Monitor market trends and competitor pricing to provide data-backed recommendations for assortment pivots.
Leadership & Culture Learn how to proactively identify "what’s next" and anticipate business needs
Actively participate in meetings by sharing informed opinions on product performance, trends and customer behavior.
Build strong cross functional relationships with key business partners and external vendors