Urban Outfitters Design Director - BDG Womens Denim & Wovens

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Urban Outfitters Design Director - BDG Womens Denim & Wovens

Company: Urban Outfitters

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Apparel Design & Merchandising Leadership

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the BDG lifestyle vision by defining seasonal creative and product strategies for denim and casual wovens, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable brand point of view for the UO customer.

• Build and execute the complete assortment strategy, encompassing jeans, casual and structured bottoms, shorts, skirts, dresses, shirting, jackets, utility, and related lifestyle products.

• Drive the evolution of denim by setting the direction for silhouette, proportion, wash, fabric, construction, and styling, balancing authority with fashion newness and commercial opportunity.

• Foster a forward-thinking creative and product environment by actively researching cultural trends, vintage inspiration, global fashion, and youth culture to inform product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position within the apparel design function, specifically focused on the BDG (Urban Outfitters' in-house denim and lifestyle brand) womenswear category. The emphasis on "lifestyle vision" and "complete lifestyle around denim" indicates a holistic approach to product creation, extending beyond just individual garments to encompass styling, outfitting, and brand narrative. The role requires a blend of creative vision, deep technical expertise in denim and wovens, and strong business acumen to drive commercial success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and define the seasonal creative and product strategy for BDG Womens Denim & Wovens, translating overarching Urban Outfitters concepts into a distinctive brand point of view and cohesive lifestyle assortment.

• Establish the seasonal roadmap for all product types within the category, including denim fits, casual and structured bottoms, shorts, skirts, shirting, jackets, utility wear, key items, and fashion newness, ensuring clear assortment architecture, hierarchy, and differentiation.

• Set the forward-thinking direction for denim evolution, focusing on silhouette, proportion, wash, fabric, construction, finish, and styling, while protecting and evolving successful fits and franchises.

• Lead seasonal direction for denim and woven fabrics, washes, dyes, finishes, trims, stitching, construction, and garment treatments, partnering closely with Product Development, R&D, Sourcing, and Production to deliver the creative vision within quality, cost, and margin targets.

• Guide and approve product from concept through development, fittings, sample reviews, and finalization, maintaining a high standard for taste, fit, proportion, wash, fabrication, construction, detail, quality, and finish.

• Actively research and identify emerging trends, cultural shifts, vintage influences, global denim culture, runway, street style, and youth culture to translate insights into innovative product opportunities that align with the BDG brand.

• Leverage selling data, Velo metrics, rankings, customer response, and market intelligence to identify whitespace, opportunities, and risks, collaborating with Merchant leadership to inform assortment decisions and strategic planning.

• Partner with Design Directors and creative leaders across UO Women’s to ensure BDG product integrates seamlessly into the broader seasonal expression and creates strong outfitting opportunities.

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing Design team, setting clear expectations for creative vision, technical excellence, curiosity, ownership, and accountability, while providing coaching and fostering future leadership.

• Act as the senior Design voice for BDG Lifestyle, presenting seasonal strategy and product direction to leadership with clarity and conviction, and building strong partnerships across Buying, Product Development, Production, R&D, Sourcing, and Print + Color to drive alignment and maintain creative intent.

• Own seasonal priorities, calendars, resources, and budgets for the Design team, proactively identifying and solving development and execution risks, and simplifying processes to focus resources on high-impact opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive ownership of the product lifecycle and brand vision for a significant category. The emphasis on "owning the BDG Lifestyle Vision" and "building the Assortment Strategy" points to strategic planning and creative direction. The inclusion of "connect creativity + business" and "drive operational excellence" underscores the expectation that this role balances creative output with commercial viability and efficient execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Merchandising, or a related field is preferred, though extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience: 10–12+ years of progressive apparel design experience, with a significant and demonstrable track record in denim and casual wovens, including leadership of substantial product categories and design teams.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional taste, product instinct, and creative vision, evidenced through a strong portfolio and a history of building differentiated, culturally relevant, and commercially successful product.

• Deep expertise in denim design and development, including a thorough understanding of silhouette, fit, proportion, wash, construction, fabrication, finishing, and the nuances required to build and evolve successful denim fits and franchises.

• Strong technical knowledge of casual and structured woven product categories (bottoms, shirting, jackets, utility), with the ability to direct both creative development and technical execution.

• Advanced knowledge of denim and woven fabrics, wash and dye techniques, garment treatments, trims, stitching, construction, finishing, and manufacturing processes, enabling effective direction of wash and raw-material strategy.

• Strong understanding of fabric behavior, quality, hand feel, drape, and how raw materials impact fit and silhouette, with the ability to identify materials and techniques for new product opportunities.

• Exceptional connection to the Urban Outfitters customer, with acute knowledge of youth culture, fashion trends, vintage aesthetics, global denim culture, emerging brands, runway, street style, and relevant cultural shifts.

• Demonstrated ability to forecast product and trend evolution, identify market whitespace, and translate broad cultural and customer insights into actionable product strategies with a distinct brand lens.

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to connect creative vision, assortment architecture, customer insights, and financial performance, using selling data for informed decision-making.

• Proven ability to lead, inspire, coach, and develop high-performing creative teams, set clear expectations, raise product standards, identify talent needs, and develop future leaders.

• Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear point of view, influence senior leadership, navigate differing perspectives, and drive decisions with confidence.

• Highly collaborative, decisive, and solution-oriented, with a proven ability to build strong partnerships across Design, Buying, Product Development, R&D, Sourcing, and Production.

• Strong hand and digital design skills, with technical expertise to independently lead seasonal set-ups, fittings, wash reviews, product reviews, and leadership presentations.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and relevant product development systems, including Treadstone/BOM management or comparable platforms.

• Strong understanding of AI and emerging creative technology (e.g., Midjourney, PromeAI, ChatGPT) for research, ideation, visualization, and creative storytelling.

• Highly organized and self-directed, with the ability to anticipate change, prioritize resources, navigate ambiguity, and maintain creative excellence in a fast-paced product environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific fashion merchandising or retail analytics platforms.

• Familiarity with global sourcing and manufacturing landscapes for denim and woven goods.

• A strong network within the denim and casual wear industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize both creative and technical expertise, as well as leadership and business acumen. The explicit mention of "10-12+ years" and "significant experience in denim and casual wovens" sets a high bar for candidates. The requirement for a strong portfolio is crucial, as it serves as tangible evidence of the candidate's taste, vision, and execution capabilities. The inclusion of AI tools is a forward-thinking requirement, indicating the company's embrace of modern creative technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10-12 years of progressive apparel design work, with a significant emphasis on denim and casual woven categories for women.

• Demonstrate a clear evolution of design thinking and product development across multiple seasons and brands, highlighting leadership in defining category vision and assortment strategy.

• Include detailed case studies of successful denim fits or franchises, illustrating the journey from concept to commercial success, including design rationale, material selection, and market impact.

• Showcase examples of innovative wash development, fabric innovation, and garment construction techniques that have pushed creative boundaries and met commercial objectives.

• Present examples of translating cultural trends, vintage inspiration, and customer insights into forward-thinking product designs that resonate with the target demographic. Process Documentation:

• Examples of seasonal product strategy frameworks or roadmaps developed for denim and woven categories, demonstrating clear assortment architecture and hierarchy.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating the process of setting and executing wash and raw material direction, including collaboration with R&D, Sourcing, and Production.

• Evidence of leading and mentoring design teams, with examples of setting product standards, providing feedback, and developing talent.

• Demonstrations of cross-functional collaboration, such as partnership with Buying, Product Development, and other Design categories to ensure cohesive seasonal assortments and outfitting.

• Showcase of how selling data, market intelligence, and customer insights were used to inform product decisions and drive business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are designed to assess a candidate's ability to not only create compelling designs but also to strategically manage a product category, lead a team, and drive commercial success through a deep understanding of process and execution. The emphasis on "case studies" and "documentation" suggests a need for candidates to articulate their decision-making process and demonstrate tangible business impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director role with 10-12+ years of experience in apparel design, particularly in denim and womenswear, in a major metropolitan area like Philadelphia, the estimated salary range is $150,000 - $220,000 annually. This range accounts for the significant experience, leadership responsibilities, and specialized technical expertise required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick days, and personal needs.

• Generous employee discounts on Urban Outfitters and affiliated brands' merchandise.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company matching.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Access to a dynamic and creative work environment.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this position are approximately 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time role. However, given the leadership nature and the fast-paced retail environment, flexibility may be required to meet seasonal demands and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar senior design leadership roles in the apparel industry in major US cities. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are typical for large retail organizations and align with the provided perk information.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail - Apparel & Lifestyle. Urban Outfitters operates within the fast-paced and trend-driven fashion retail sector, catering to a young adult demographic with a focus on individual style and cultural relevance.

Company Size: URBN (Urban Outfitters, Inc.) is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals across its various brands and corporate functions. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for significant impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Urban Outfitters was founded in 1970. This long history indicates a mature brand with a deep understanding of its market and customer base, providing a stable foundation for innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will lead a dedicated team of designers focused on BDG Womens Denim & Wovens. This team likely includes junior designers, assistant designers, and potentially technical designers or patternmakers.

• The role operates within the broader Women's Design department, requiring close collaboration with other Design Directors (e.g., for apparel, accessories, footwear) and their teams.

• Significant cross-functional partnerships will be essential with Buying, Merchandising, Product Development, R&D, Sourcing, Production, and Print + Color departments. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creative: The role requires a strong synthesis of creative vision with data analysis, leveraging selling metrics, customer insights, and market intelligence to inform product strategy and assortment decisions.

• Trend Translation: A core methodology involves actively researching and interpreting cultural, vintage, and fashion trends, translating them into unique and forward-thinking product designs that resonate with the BDG customer.

• Collaborative Execution: Emphasis is placed on building strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure creative intent is maintained throughout the product development and execution lifecycle.

• Process Optimization: The role is expected to identify and implement efficiencies within the design and development process to optimize resources and focus on high-impact opportunities.

Company Website: www.urbanoutfitters.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding URBN's position as a large, established retail player with a strong focus on youth culture and individual expression is key. The BDG brand within Urban Outfitters has a distinct identity rooted in denim, and this role is pivotal in shaping that identity. The team structure implies a matrixed reporting and collaboration model, common in large retail organizations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, positioned as a Design Director. It signifies a high level of responsibility, strategic influence, and team management within the apparel design function. It’s a critical role for shaping the brand's product direction and commercial success.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to a higher-level executive within the Women's Design or Merchandising leadership, such as a VP of Design or Chief Merchandising Officer. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's decisions directly influence the product assortment, brand perception, and ultimately, the revenue generated by the BDG Womens Denim & Wovens category. Strategic product vision and execution are critical drivers of commercial performance and market differentiation for Urban Outfitters.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to higher leadership roles such as VP of Design, Head of Women's Design, or a broader brand creative director role within URBN.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term product strategy and brand direction for a significant category within a major retail organization.

• Skill Expansion: Deepen expertise in denim and woven product development, trend forecasting, team leadership, and cross-functional strategic partnership.

• Mentorship: Develop and mentor emerging design talent, contributing to the growth and capabilities of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career milestone for apparel designers, offering a blend of creative autonomy and strategic business impact. The growth potential is tied to demonstrated success in leading product categories, driving revenue, and effectively managing teams within a large, dynamic retail environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at the Urban Outfitters headquarters in Philadelphia. The environment is likely dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative, typical of a corporate fashion headquarters.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 5000 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19111. This location serves as the central hub for corporate operations, design, merchandising, and other key functions.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan or studio-style environment designed to foster collaboration among design, merchandising, and product development teams.

• Access to design resources, sample rooms, trend libraries, and digital tools (Adobe Creative Suite, AI platforms, product development systems) will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with cross-functional partners from Buying, R&D, Sourcing, and Production will be frequent, encouraging a cohesive approach to product creation.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with approximately 40 hours per week. However, the fast-paced nature of the retail calendar means that extended hours, weekend work, and travel may be required during peak seasons, product development cycles, or for market research and vendor visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Philadelphia is standard for senior leadership roles at major fashion retailers, facilitating essential in-person collaboration and access to company resources. The description implies a creative and collaborative office setting conducive to design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess alignment with the core requirements. Candidates with strong portfolios showcasing relevant experience will be prioritized.

• First Round Interview: Typically conducted by the hiring manager (e.g., VP of Design), this interview will focus on assessing creative vision, leadership style, technical expertise, and cultural fit. Portfolio review will be a key component.

• Second Round Interview: May involve meetings with cross-functional partners (e.g., Buying, Merchandising leads) to evaluate collaboration skills and business acumen. This could include a presentation of a specific case study or strategic proposal.

• Final Round Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., CMO, President), this round will focus on strategic thinking, brand alignment, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 strong projects that best represent your experience in denim and casual wovens, highlighting your role in defining vision, driving product, and achieving commercial success.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your design process, from initial concept and research (cultural, vintage, trend) through development, fit, wash, and final product. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics that demonstrate the commercial success of your designs (e.g., sales performance, sell-through rates, franchise growth). Use data to support your creative choices.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and collaborated effectively with cross-functional partners.

• Tailor to BDG: Emphasize your understanding of the Urban Outfitters customer and the BDG brand. Show how your aesthetic and approach align with the brand's DNA and future direction.

• Technical Depth: Clearly illustrate your technical understanding of denim construction, washes, fabrics, and manufacturing processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to defining a seasonal product strategy for denim and wovens, including how you would balance fashion newness with commercial viability and brand consistency.

• Practice articulating your vision for the future of denim and casual wear, referencing cultural and market trends.

• Prepare to walk through specific design projects from your portfolio, explaining your creative process, technical considerations, and the business impact.

• Consider how you would handle challenging feedback from leadership or cross-functional partners regarding design direction or product execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's creative capabilities, leadership potential, technical expertise, and strategic thinking. The portfolio review is critical, requiring candidates to not only present aesthetically pleasing work but also to demonstrate a deep understanding of the product lifecycle, market dynamics, and business impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for hand sketching, digital illustration, mood boards, and presentation development (Photoshop, Illustrator are key).

• Treadstone/BOM Management Systems: Proficiency in product lifecycle management (PLM) or Bill of Materials (BOM) systems like Treadstone (or comparable platforms) is required for managing product data, specifications, and development workflows.

• 3D Design Software (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with 3D design tools for apparel (e.g., Browzwear, CLO 3D) is becoming increasingly valuable for visualization and prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Sales & Velo Metrics Platforms: Candidates will need to interpret and leverage internal sales data, velocity reports, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform design decisions and assess product performance.

• Market Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with tools or methods for tracking fashion trends, competitor analysis, and cultural shifts is crucial.

CRM & Automation:

• AI Tools: Explicitly mentioned are Midjourney, PromeAI, and ChatGPT, indicating an expectation to leverage AI for research, ideation, visualization, and creative storytelling.

• Product Development Collaboration Platforms: Tools used for cross-functional communication and project management within the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes traditional design tools alongside modern AI applications and essential product development management systems. Proficiency in these tools is critical for efficient workflow and effective collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Vision & Innovation: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries, staying ahead of trends, and developing product that is both fashion-forward and culturally relevant.

• Product Obsession: A deep passion for apparel, materials, construction, and the details that make a garment exceptional.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing insights from sales, customer feedback, and market trends to inform creative strategy and product assortments.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across departments to ensure alignment and successful execution of creative vision.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for the product category, team performance, and driving measurable business results.

• Customer Centricity: Maintaining a deep understanding of the Urban Outfitters customer and designing products that resonate with their lifestyle and aspirations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach, working closely with Buying, Merchandising, Product Development, R&D, and Production to ensure seamless product creation from concept to delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and constructive communication to facilitate decision-making and problem-solving.

• Feedback Loop: A culture that values constructive feedback and uses it to refine product and processes, ensuring continuous improvement.

• Shared Vision: Working towards a unified brand vision and product strategy, ensuring all teams are aligned and working towards common goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a blend of creative expression, business pragmatism, and collaborative execution. A Design Director is expected to embody these values, leading by example and fostering a positive, productive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend and Brand Identity: The constant challenge of staying ahead of fleeting trends while maintaining the core BDG brand identity and ensuring product relevance for the Urban Outfitters customer.

• Driving Commercial Success with Creative Vision: Effectively translating innovative creative ideas into commercially viable products that meet sales targets and margin requirements.

• Managing a Fast-Paced Retail Calendar: Navigating tight deadlines, seasonal shifts, and the demands of a global retail supply chain to deliver product on time.

• Leading and Developing Talent: Inspiring and guiding a design team through evolving market demands, technological advancements, and maintaining a high standard of creative output.

• Synthesizing Diverse Inputs: Integrating feedback and insights from multiple cross-functional partners and data sources into a cohesive and actionable product strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Trend Forecasting: Opportunities to attend major fashion weeks, trade shows, and utilize cutting-edge trend forecasting services to deepen predictive capabilities.

• Material and Wash Innovation: Engagement with mills, laundries, and R&D teams to explore new fabric technologies, sustainable materials, and advanced wash/dye techniques.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external training focused on strategic leadership, team management, and executive communication.

• Cross-Category Exposure: Collaboration with other design categories within URBN can broaden understanding of the overall brand ecosystem and customer lifestyle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a dynamic retail environment, requiring strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong leadership skills. The growth opportunities are designed to support continuous professional development and career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining a seasonal product strategy for a denim and casual wovens category. How do you balance fashion newness with commercial viability and brand consistency for a brand like BDG?"

• "How do you identify and translate emerging cultural trends and youth culture insights into actionable product designs that resonate with the Urban Outfitters customer?"

• "Walk me through a time you successfully evolved a key denim fit or franchise. What was your approach, and what was the business impact?"

• "How do you leverage data (sales, Velo, market intelligence) to inform your design decisions and shape assortment architecture?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the BDG brand and the Urban Outfitters customer? How does your design philosophy align with our brand ethos?"

• "Describe your leadership style. How do you inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing design team?"

• "How do you approach building collaborative relationships with cross-functional partners like Buying, Merchandising, and Product Development?"

• "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in fashion design and product development?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative, beginning with your overall design philosophy and approach, then diving into specific case studies that illustrate key skills and achievements.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: For each project, clearly explain your thought process, research methods, design decisions, technical considerations, and how you addressed challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the commercial success of your designs. Clearly state the results achieved and your contribution.

• Showcase Brand Alignment: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your understanding of target customer demographics and brand aesthetic, particularly relating to BDG and Urban Outfitters.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, leadership approach, and how you handle constructive criticism. Be ready to discuss your vision for the future of denim and casual wear.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, strategic thinking, technical expertise, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of the Urban Outfitters brand and customer. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to effectively communicate their journey from concept to commercial success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design leadership position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Urban Outfitters careers portal.

• Curate a compelling portfolio: Focus on showcasing your most impactful work in women's denim and casual wovens, clearly articulating your design process, technical expertise, and the commercial success of your projects. Tailor your selection to highlight alignment with the BDG brand aesthetic and the Urban Outfitters customer.

• Optimize your resume: Highlight your 10-12+ years of progressive apparel design experience, emphasizing leadership roles, specific achievements in denim and wovens, and proficiency with relevant design and product development tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your selected projects, focusing on explaining your strategic rationale, creative process, and quantifiable business impact. Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and vision for the BDG category.

• Research Urban Outfitters and BDG: Deeply understand the company's brand identity, target customer, current market position, and the specific role of the BDG brand within the URBN portfolio. Familiarize yourself with their recent collections and any publicly available strategic initiatives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.