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 Merchandising Team
You will be part of the Rejuvenation Merchandising team, which builds an engaging, unique and functional assortment of home furnishings and décor. Our team considers all areas of the home, from the Living Room, to the Kitchen, to the Garden. We work cross-functionally with the Design, Sourcing, and Planning teams, as well as the Retail and Web channels to deliver small and large scale pieces for every style of home.
Overview of the Associate Buyer role
As an Associate Buyer, you will provide strategic and practical input for assigned category product offerings across sales channels for the entire product life-cycle. You will analyze sales reports, market performance, financial impacts, trends, and merchandising strategies to effectively direct cross-functional team for optimal support of merchandising strategies. You will be responsible for managing new and existing products to meet brand sales and profit goals, serving as a champion for the product line.
Responsibilities
· Oversee the seasonal and core product mix, constantly identifying emerging trends to develop business strategies which outline strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats.
· Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans; ensures financial plans are met.
· Conduct continual on-line and in-store market analysis.
· Perform on-going competitive analysis for assigned categories.
· Complete accurate, timely reporting and analysis of assigned categories.
· Manage vendor relationships including negotiations, reporting and marketing strategies; also sources new vendors.
· Provide final assortment plans with required product details to inventory partners for developing purchase projections and buy plans.
· Assist with determining assortment adjustments to maximize sales and margins.
· Ensure timely dissemination of product information and promotional strategies to Marketing, Product Information, and Store Operations teams.
· Manage timely development of collateral marketing materials, ensuring that marketing strategies and profitability align.
· Responsible for accurate catalog proofs, website, visual packets, and signage for assigned categories. Also does website testing as required.
· Work with cross functional partners to resolve and or escalate product issues; use product feedback to improve product; analyze returns reporting, and recommend solutions to reduce return rate.
· Operate a computer and communicate via telephone
· Transport materials and equipment and lift, move, and carry objects up to 50 pounds on a limited basis
Criteria
· 2-3 years of Buying/Product/Category Management experience. Prior experience in home décor is preferred.
· Proven track record of driving top-line and bottom line results.
· High level of proficiency in MS Office suite to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
· High level of proficiency in working with ERP system
· Ability to develop strong cross functional relationships
· Outstanding problem solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
· Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
· Thrives in a high energy and fast paced environment, with the ability to be flexible and react to rapidly changing business needs and priorities
· This role requires being onsite in the San Portland office Monday through Thursday
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.
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 healthContinued 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.
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