Our Company

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn teen, pottery barn kids, Rejuvenation, Mark & Graham, west elm, or Outward. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.

About the Role 

The Associate Buyer will develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of Pottery Barn to maximize sales and profits. Own a segment of the business as assigned. Identify opportunities and recommend new product or concepts. Coordinate information across functions working closely with Brand Merchants, Inventory Management, Ecommerce, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Store and Operations, and Global Product team to ensure business goals and timelines are achieved. 

 

This role will be based in SF (Mon-Thurs onsite), and will support our Australia Pottery Barn Business.

 

Responsibilities 

Partner with buying leadership to develop and deliver financial plans for your category of business (Growth %, Sales, MMU$, Inventory). Develop seasonal and foundational assortment strategies, participate in the planning and execution both pre-season and in season Analyze and report on weekly company owned business performance and drive associated action steps  Own assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, and floor plan location for developing purchase projections and buy plans.  Present product vision and category performance to members of our leadership team Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats. Communicate annual and seasonal strategies to functional areas (Inventory, Ecommerce, Visual, Retail store teams). Develop and build seasonal and core product mix for department or area. Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans Responsible for in season management of a category, and OTB management in partnership with Inventory team and buying leadership.  Collaborate with Inventory Management and buying leadership on final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (rank & big bets), flow to DC and channel distribution  Participate in visual mapping process to ensure floor plan direction supports market-specific and store-specific visual display and sales plans  Drive retail store & ecommerce execution of your category in close partnership with store Visual, Store operations and Ecommerce marketing teams.  Develop promo and markdown strategies to ensure inventory targets and sales are met each season  Review EDM, Homepage creative and participate in UAT activities Summarize and communicate merchandising and promotional plans. Coordinate with Store Operation for disseminating information through appropriate channels. 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 Correspond with functional areas. Resolves, handles and escalates difficult issues to Buyer, Call Center and Stores. Investigate and respond to field issues

Criteria

BA/BS Required. 3+ years in corporate merchandising Advanced Excel skills. Advanced retail math skills. Strong presentation skills  Ability to work autonomously, strong decision-making skills with good judgement Strong written and verbal communication to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams Attention to detail. Ability to work in fast-paced, often-changing environment. This role requires being onsite our San Francisco office Monday through Thursday and Friday as optional in the office 

Our Culture & Values 

We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. Our associates are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, so they can be their best and achieve their personal and professional goals.   We make inclusivity a cornerstone of our culture by welcoming associates with diverse cultures and backgrounds and celebrating them, together.  We nurture an open, inclusive environment for all. Our differences—whatever they may be—are valued, explored, and appreciated. Together, we’re creating a more just and inclusive company culture where the only criteria for advancement are: 

The quality of our work The contributions we make to our teams and the business Our ability to lead and connect

We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Outside of WSI, we recognize the importance of playing a part in our communities through partnerships, collaborations, and commitments to a more just and inclusive world.

People First 

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:
 

Benefits

A generous discount on all WSI 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

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, learning programs, and speaker series 

 

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

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

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 $80,000.  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.