Confidential Free People Director of International Strategy

Location

This position is located at 58 W 40th St, New York, New York, 10018 United States

Role Summary

Free People is seeking an accomplished, commercially focused, and results-driven Director of International Strategy with extensive experience in the contemporary women's wholesale sector to spearhead our international growth by developing and executing a robust global wholesale strategy. This role requires a proven leader with a track record of successfully launching and expanding brands internationally through wholesale channels, building key relationships, and identifying new business opportunities worldwide. The Director of International Strategy will be responsible for defining and implementing comprehensive wholesale strategies and managing key partnerships to achieve significant international market penetration and sustained profitability.

Role Responsibilities

Global Wholesale Strategy, Business Development  & Execution

• Take full ownership of launching and expanding Free People's wholesale business globally with key third-party partnerships, distributors, and franchise partners.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive global wholesale roadmap and sales strategy for all international markets, including the UK, EU, MENA, SEA, China, APAC, Canada, Australia, and South America.
• Identify, secure, and grow major international wholesale partners, including department stores, online retailers, and specialty stores, and distribution networks, consistently increasing wholesale distribution.
• Develop and merchandise regionally exclusive programs for key international retailers.
• Explore potential wholesale, distributor, and franchise partner options, and
• Provide meaningful updates to the ELT on new international business partnerships, challenges, and successes.
• Manage the strategic transition in key markets to boost margins and operational efficiency.
• Drive international business development, identifying new market entry opportunities and establishing partnerships with top-tier retailers across new countries and territories.
• Negotiate and manage all vendor agreements, agent, and distributor contracts.
• Present at global sales presentations for agents, distributors, and franchise partners.
• Establish and scale distribution networks internationally, building strong relationships.

Financial Planning & Performance

• Produce detailed budgeting and forecasting plans and strategies for short, medium, and long-term international wholesale business growth.
• Monitor and control key business drivers to grow profitability and achieve greater operational efficiencies, consistently maintaining gross margins.
• Partner with logistics and credit teams to ensure timely deliveries, payment status, and critical path implementation.
• Responsible for significant international wholesale budgets (e.g., managing a c.£30m international wholesale business).

Product & Market Insight

• Collaborate closely with merchandising and creative teams on product needs, ensuring market, country, and account-specific needs are met.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform strategic wholesale decisions and identify new opportunities.

Reporting & Travel

• Undertake extensive global travel to key markets across SEA, Far East, Middle East, Europe and LATAM

Role Qualifications

• Strategic Wholesale Planning and Analysis: Proven track record of developing global wholesale strategies, entering new markets, monitoring key business drivers, and achieving profitability and operational efficiencies.
• Business Development: Demonstrated ability to identify new business opportunities and grow existing partnerships on a global scale, including securing major international accounts and distribution networks.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and margin management capabilities.
• Negotiation & Communication: Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills to manage vendor agreements, agent/distributor contracts, and build strategic partnerships.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to build strong internal relationships and work across functions (merchandising, planning, marketing, logistics, credit) to ensure seamless business integration and execution.
• International Market Expertise: Deep understanding of diverse international markets, with experience in market penetration and expansion across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and MENA.

The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits 

Free People Wage Transparency

To view information related to various state-specific wage transparency laws, click here. Please also note, if a full-time role is eligible to participate in the Sales Bonus Program, this may result in bringing the total compensation to a higher range.

US EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.