Assistant/Associate Business Development Operations / Project Management

Job Description

The Assistant / Associate, Business Development Operations will support the execution of initiatives across franchise, product licensing, and other growth channels at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, proactive, and resourceful profile who is eager to learn the business development function end-to-end. Working closely with the project management lead and cross-functional stakeholders, this position will help manage operational processes, coordinate key projects, and provide the team with the information, tools, and organization needed to drive successful partnerships. In addition, this individual will act as a change champion, helping the team navigate ambiguity, adapt to evolving priorities, and bring structure to new and developing processes.

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.

What Will You Be Doing? 

Project & Partnership Coordination

o Assist in onboarding and operational setup for new business development partnerships.

o Help track project milestones, deliverables, and timelines to ensure smooth execution.

o Gather and compile relevant data from multiple sources to support decision-making.

Operational Support

o Maintain and update team resources (e.g., partner contact lists, shared files, trackers).

o Update and create materials in preparation for larger leadership meetings, including Steerco settings, Project Portfolio meetings, Playbooks and various re-occurring milestones

o Coordinate internal and external meetings, including agenda creation, scheduling, and action-item tracking.

o Arrange logistics for partner visits, including travel, accommodations, and meeting schedules

Cross-Functional Liaison

o Support PM lead in partnering with key cross functional stakeholders, including finance, supply chain, sourcing, product, regional, tech and legal teams to ensure alignment on deliverables.

o Facilitate communication between internal teams and at times external partners to keep projects on track

Process & Efficiency

o Identify opportunities for operational improvements and assist in implementing streamlined processes.

o Assist in the tracking and reporting of expenses for business development initiatives.

o Contribute to the development of tools, templates, and trackers that improve team efficiency.

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, operations, or related field.
• 1+ years of relevant work experience in operations, project coordination, business development, or a related role (retail/apparel experience a plus).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, follow through on to-do list in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across functions.
• Self-starter with a willingness to take initiative.
• Comfort with high levels of ambiguity: able to adapt quickly, stay flexible and help create order during times of change.

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. 

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com. 

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

Benefits & Perks

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program
• Annual companywide review process
• Flexible spending accounts
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Associate assistance program
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year)
• Seven associate wellness half days per year
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!

Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER