About the Buying Team

As part of the Merchandise Buying Team, you will work closely with a passionate and collaborative group of team members across various functions within the organization. We run a high-volume business and cover several different categories. We strive for operational excellence while developing best-in-class merchandising strategies each season. We work hard but we also have fun together.

*This is a hybrid role**

Overview of the role

As a Buyer, you will create and develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to deliver sales and profits for the assigned department in line with strategies set by the divisional Director / VP. You will identify category opportunities and recommend new products or concepts for the department. You will also coordinate information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Ecommerce, Sourcing, Allocation, Production, Creative Services, Stores, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines are met. You will handle visual signage (new, specials, markdowns) and coordinate in-store collateral, online copy and image assets, photo samples and assortment tools.

Responsibilities

Sales, Strategy & Assortment

• Analyze, present and recap sales trends and results to leadership, and cross-functional partners for assigned department(s). Demonstrate on a daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, quarterly, and yearly basis.
• Execute 3YP growth strategies for assigned department(s).
• Execute entire category reviews and growth strategy forecasts as needed.
• Communicate weekly selling updates, assortment opportunities and influence mark down recommendations and trending collections to “chase” orders.
• Develop and communicate annual and seasonal business merchandising strategies for assigned department(s) focused on core businesses and newness.
• Select seasonal and core product assortment for assigned department(s) to drive the business forward on collaboration with in-house design team.
• Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans.
• Collaborate with Inventory Management and Sourcing on seasonal assortment rank, purchase quantity recommendations, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs
• Identify and recommend new business opportunities to drive future growth.
• Create and maintain merchandising assortment plans for assigned departments
• Present to leadership and manager in seasonal milestone meetings.
• Establish seasonal pricing strategies and set profitable pricing based on sales trends and cost negotiations with the Sourcing team.
• Analyze competitive market and provide observations and analysis of findings.
• Execute SWOT analysis as needed. of market for competitive analysis
• Correspond with functional areas to resolve difficult issues on product quality issues, re-ticketing issues, or customer service needs
• Lead weekly product development meetings and establish a POV and provide critical and important feedback on the design.
• Lead product presentation set up and break down for critical product in-person meetings.
• Participate in regular return and replacement meetings and work to resolution for your area(s).
• Propose and recommend promotional opportunities to drive sales and customer engagement.

Marketing:

• Communicate key product items, seasonal “big bets” and strategies to develop pagination to Creative Services to finalize marketing plan.
• Communicate digital marketing plans for assigned department(s).
• Influence email and social marketing based on sales demand and inventory levels in the department(s).
• Lead team on photo sample requests.

Retail:

• Create seasonal retail floor model and backroom stocking strategies. Partner with visual team on execution both virtually and in the mock store.
• Create & own retail mapping documents.
• Analyze channel results.
• Provide information to the field on in-store promotion strategies and placement of markdown goods. Correspond with functional areas.
• Investigate and respond to store field issues. Coordinate communication strategies with Store Operations. Provide appropriate merchandising information for Store Web.
• Visit stores as needed to review visual merchandising, standards and new floorsets.

Misc.

• Execute SKU creation and SKU updates for all departments.
• Operate in PLM system.
• Operate a computer and communicate via telephone.
• Proficient to advanced in Excel.
• Transport materials and equipment and lift, move, and carry objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis.
• Attend overseas product development calls as needed seasonally after hours.

Criteria

• BA/BS Required
• 5-7 years Buying/Merchandising experience
• Manager experience
• Loves to work collaboratively in a group, you have an innate willingness to dig in and contribute with your team.
• Are driven and motivated by the possibilities ahead
• Are a true business owner; comfortable with decision-making and calculated risk-taking for the benefit of your business.
• Think innovation is critical in a business environment and support others in creative thinking
• Pride yourself on the quality of work and are a stickler for the details

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 $88,100-104,400.. 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.

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