Inbound Operations Manager

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About Us

URBN UK Limited is part of the URBN Group, a global retailer, with its European Head Office located in London. Its retail offering in Europe takes the form of three brands.

With stores in more than 10 European countries and a strong e-commerce presence, we're driven by the same core values as our customers, and we approach our work with a sense of community and purpose that sets our brands apart. We love what we do.

Role Summary

The Inbound Operations Manager will oversee the inbound process for our fashion and lifestyle Brands, working with varied brand and shared services teams to successfully import products into the UK and European markets. You will drive strong performance from your teams, provide robust and simplified but comprehensive reporting and feedback on mutually dependent teams and processes, support compliance with all international trade regulations, manage relationships with freight forwarders, planning intake to the Fulfilment Centres, optimising import processes to support business goals, providing visibility of all inbound stock, by multiple modes of transport. This role is critical in maintaining the smooth flow of inbound goods and contributing world class supply chain solutions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Overseeing carrier performance of end-to-end delivery processes, from order booking to final delivery at PFC and NL1, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery
• Leading and mentoring a team of import coordinators and specialist operatives - leading by example with a positive attitude, approach to work and relationships
• Fostering a collaborative and performance-driven work environment, within the team, close colleagues, brands and partners
• Ensuring optimised intake of purchase orders across all incoterms and delivery agreements
• Managing relationships with freight forwarders, and other logistics partners across all inbound modes
• Coordinate with internal teams (e.g., Buyers, Merchandising, Planning) to align inbound schedules with business needs
• Working closely with brand and DC planning teams to ensure accurate information is shared and adhered to, reporting on inconsistencies
• Providing costing tools to brands, and report on accuracy of estimated transport costs
• Reporting on landed costs - accurate estimates, invoice accuracy, follow up on apportionment and ensure all parties have accurate and up to date rates and processes to follow
• Working with Global Trade Compliance to support with adherence to all applicable international trade regulations and customs laws.
• Maintain working knowledge of changes in trade laws, tariffs, and duties.
• Prepare and submit required documentation for importation, including customs declarations and duty payments.

• With the support of Vendor Relations, developing and maintaining strong relationships with key global suppliers and vendors
• While monitoring and reporting on import costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities
• Optimising shipping routes and methods to reduce costs and improve efficiency
• Identifying potential risks in the import process and develop mitigation strategies
• Ensuring correct insurance coverage for all imports, including while on site before unloading
• Working with tech and global teams, continuously review and improve import processes and systems, ensuring accurate and up to date Standard Operating Procedures across all modes
• Regular training and coaching to keep the team updated on best practices and new technologies
• Ensuring Brands are provided with training and materials for shipping processes and practises, and periodic updates for new staff

What You'll Need

• Strong organisational and management skills, focussed on execution and operational excellence
• Ability to deliver results through a well-managed, motivated and resilient team
• Positive and encouraging with teams, direct with feedback, decisive actions to improve performance
• Experienced and capabilities in managing multiple stakeholders and relationships across functions in a complex global logistics operation, and with Internal and Carrier Partners
• Able to communicate and influence at a senior level, managing upwards and laterally, where required, self-aware and adaptable
• Experience of managing multiple 3rd party relationships in a fast-changing and evolving environment
• Ability to gather carefully selected data from appropriate sources, probe and consider all the facts, conduct root cause analysis, take corrective and preventative actions while maintaining economic, optimised process
• Experienced in creating, developing and managing budgets, with skills in P&L analysis and forecasting

The Perks

• Wellbeing:
  • Employees Assistance program to support with mental, physical and financial health
  • Fully equipped free gym and 50% discount off external gym memberships
  • Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Discount:
  • Up to 40% off at all URBN Brands
• Travel:
  • Cycle to work scheme
• Continued Development:
  • We offer structured support within the business alongside continued learning and development

#LI-MT1

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.