• Job Description

  Req#: 9333

  Who we are:
  Born in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is a global design company dedicated to transforming people’s lives and spaces through creativity, style, and purpose. We create unique, modern and affordable home decor and curate a global selection of local, ethically-sourced and Fair-Trade Certified products, available online and in our 100+ stores worldwide.

  Our home base is nestled down under the Manhattan Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, right above our flagship store. We are a dynamic, fast-paced brand with an exciting growth strategy. We value imagination, diversity and giving people the opportunity to explore, grow and shape our future. We look for innovative, smart and hard-working individuals who enjoy creative thinking and ingenuity. Help us carry out our mission of being a source of inspiration to our customers, creating a global community and tirelessly seeking ways to evolve our brand.

  This role is hybrid - in office in Brooklyn, NY 4x a week.

  Essential Responsibilities:

  • Develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for a department or assigned area.
  • Perform market analysis, competitive shop and analyze sales trends to keep abreast of current trends. Obtain feedback from stores to improve product and add to collections.
  • Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats.
  • Develop seasonal assortment plans, define product requirements for Design and Sourcing to ensure on time delivery and commercial viability for the product.
  • Work with Design and Sourcing counterparts during development season to collaboratively bring commercially viable, profitable product to market, while supporting seasonal concepts and needs.
  • Manage information and communicate annual and seasonal strategies to all functional areas (Inventory, Design, Sourcing, Production, Packaging, Visual).
  • Provide Inventory Management with final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (big bets), flow to DC and floor plan location for developing purchase projections and buy plans.
  • Collaborate with Inventory Management and recommend adjustments (markdowns, delivery changes and quantity changes) to the plan to maximize sales, profits, budget (OTB) and to protect the brand.
  • For department, approve final: product collections from Furniture Design’s recommendations, order quantities form Inventory Management’s recommendations, costing and delivery dates from Sourcing and Production, changes that affect production deadlines and plan objectives, floor plan layouts from Visual, and signage and in-store collateral.
  • Investigate and respond to field issues. Coordinate communication strategies with Store Operations. Provide appropriate merchandising information for Store Newsletters.
  • Visit stores and contact field management to gather information on customer feedback and product issues.
  • Develop one to two Assistant Buyers. Clarify objectives, assess performance and provide regular feedback.
  • Determine workload for staff; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results.
  • Interview candidates and make hiring recommendations.

  You...
  
  

  • Are a collaborative team player and can manage a fast-paced environment. You have an innate willingness to dig in and contribute to the success of the total team.
  • Have an aptitude for analytics and ability to use findings to direct and interpret industry trends relevant for the business.
  • Are problem-solver, able to identify opportunities for increased efficiencies and contribute to building solutions.

  Qualifications:

  • BA/BS Required
  • 5-7 years Buying/Merchandising experience
  • Keen business and analytical skills
  • Experience in a product development role

  Our Mission Around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. We will create and nurture a global company culture where we confidently bring our authentic selves to work every day: where the only criteria for advancement are the quality of our work, the contributions we make to our teams and the business, and our ability to lead; and where our individual differences—whatever they may be—are valued, explored and appreciated.

  Benefits Just for You

  Depending on your position and your location, here are a few highlights of what you might be eligible for:

  • A generous discount on all Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands
  • A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
  • Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer
  • Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits
  • Tax-free commuter benefits
  • A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health

  Your Journey in Continued Learning

  • In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
  • Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities
  • Resources for self-development
  • Advisor (Mentor) program
  • Career development workshops and learning programs
  • Speaker series

  WSI will not commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position at this time (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

  Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.

  The expected starting pay range for this position is $85,000-104,400, depending on experience and the level we hire (Buyer vs Senior). Applicable pay ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.

  #LI-TB1

  
  

• About the company

  Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an American publicly traded consumer retail company that sells kitchen-wares and home furnishings.

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