The Marketing Partnerships Manager will develop and drive strategic initiatives through partnering with International and National Brands. This role is critical in developing and executing the business objectives of Urban Outfitters. The position will be responsible for a wide range of activities including: identifying strategic partner opportunities, developing existing brand partnerships, developing creative solutions on how UO and partners can work together, selling the concept to the partner as well as internal UO Senior Management, formalizing the contractual agreement and finally executing on the solution. The position will require the individual to work with representatives across UO’s different divisions and functions (Marketing, Content, Buying, Planning, Store Operations, Legal, and Creative Department). This role will report to the Senior Marketing Manager.
Responsibilities
BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Create strategic partnerships and co-ops with national and international brands. Build meaningful ongoing relationships with brand partners, and manage the ongoing needs of these partners to ensure successful programs.
Negotiate all contract details for each partnership, co-operative advertising arrangement, and sponsorship. Draft Statements of Work that best represent the interests of UO and the brand partner. Ensure projects are on-brand and culturally relevant for UO.
Communicate with brand partner representatives as well as internal marketing teams to ensure all parties are on the same page when it comes to the planning and execution of the partnership deal. This includes rounds of approvals both internally and externally, managing external brands’ expectations, and consistently protecting UO’s interest and brand identity in each partnership agreement.
STRATEGY AND PLANNING
Create seasonal and annual roadmaps to identify partners, sponsorship opportunities and co-ops that align with the UO Brand Theme and goals. Develop co-marketing plans and agreements that tell a 360-degree brand marketing story from digital, paid media, experiential, and store display.
Work on annual, quarterly, and monthly marketing calendars to develop partnerships well in advance. Participate in quarterly brainstorms, gather ideas and create concept decks and timelines for approval.
Actively seek out partners to grow existing UO marketing campaigns, including Dreamers + Doers, US@UO and beyond. Think outside the box to create incredible partnerships. Research the marketplace and emerging ideas and opportunities in the brand-consumer landscape.
COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION
Provide concept decks, Statements of Work, and all pertinent details to each project from inception through execution. Ensure approvals are made through each stage of the process by coordinating cross-functionally with all teams involved: creative, marketing, content, retail, and buying/merchandising. Ensure all teams are well-informed of project developments, timelines, and ongoing issues.
Partner closely with the buying teams on leveraging existing relationships with merchandise brands and collaborations on key brands and focal buys. Attend merchandising product reviews and seasonal and monthly handoffs for UO Women’s to stay informed of merchant brand initiatives and key buys/deliveries. Actively seek out opportunities to incorporate these brands as part of marketing strategies.
Support Events Marketing by assisting in securing food and beverage sponsors, venues, and partnership dollars in support of new store openings, community activations, in-store events, live music, and other special events.
BUDGETING
Create detailed budget proposals based on quarterly strategies and evaluate, manage and distribute the budget of the partnerships and co-op programs.
Forecast budget throughout the fiscal year and accurately report costs and co-op dollars in a timely manner.
Negotiate and leverage our relationships for placements on partner properties and value their worth.
5 + Years in marketing partnership or new business development roles. Retail brand experience is preferred.
Must be passionate about the UO brand and lifestyle.
Ability to identify trends; have finger on the pulse of fashion and culture that’s relevant to UO.
Ability to own and manage the partner approval process, and work with other internal UO teams while managing the creative process and coordinating internal marketing standards.
Clear understanding of brand relationships within the retail industry with a proven track record of developing relationships to secure premium brand exposure and development.
Ability to evaluate market and business needs. Effectively communicate those needs to both internal and external teams.
Exceptional project management, process management and organization skills.
Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate efforts across a large organization (both internally and externally), including success managing teams, both directly and virtually.
Extensive experience managing high-profile business relationships.
Adapt to shifting priorities while demonstrating the ability to facilitate “on-the-fly” problem solving while being a team player.
Vision & Strategic Thinking: Identifies opportunities to get and keep the organization at the competitive forefront and develops long term business strategies to capitalize on those opportunities.
Builds Relationships/Influences: Ability to persuade and negotiate among multiple divisions. Experience in successfully collaborating with many different personality types.
Leading & Driving Change: Takes initiative to drive change, experimentation and prudent risk-taking that aligns with business priorities.
Education: B.S. in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Travel: Some travel required
