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.

We hope you're interested in building a home with us. Even if you don't feel that you meet every requirement listed in this job description, we still encourage you to apply.

 

This role is onsite in San Francisco, 4x a week.

 

About the Team

You will be part of a collaborative team responsible for creating assortment strategies based on analyzing sales and trend. Our job blends creativity, analytics, and marketing. As the Associate Buyer, you will work closely with a very passionate and collaborative group of team members that are excited about Merchandising! 

Overview of the role 

The Associate Buyer will develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for the department.  You will be responsible for coordinating information across functions working closely with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, Packaging and Visual to ensure the process is followed and timelines met. You will have the opportunity to attend and participate in design meetings while identifying opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for the department. 

Responsibilities

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. Communicate annual and seasonal strategies to functional areas (Inventory, Design, Sourcing, Production, Packaging, Visual)  Develop and recommend seasonal and core product mix for department or area Collaborate with Inventory Management to develop annual and seasonal financial plans  Collaborate with Inventory Management to provide Sourcing and Production Management with purchase quantities, delivery dates, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs  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  For assigned area, approve final: Product collections from 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  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. Determine contests and provide awards  Correspond with functional areas. Resolves, handles and escalates difficult issues to Director/Buyer, Call Center and Stores  Communicate pre-ticketing instructions to Sourcing and Production. Provide Inventory Management with pre-ticketing prices  Develop the seasonal assortment plans (line lists) to define product requirements for Design  Work with Inventory Management to provide Sourcing and Production Management with purchase quantities, delivery dates, flow and exit strategies for initial cost and production negotiations for new programs  Provide Inventory Management with final assortment plans (line lists), product details, target retails, estimated IMU, importance to overall assortment (big bets) and floor plan location for developing purchase projections and buy plans. Update document and ensure accuracy  Visit stores and contact field management to gather information on customer feedback and product issues  Analyze market (domestic) and provide observations of market to Buyer for market analyses  Identify and recommend new products or business opportunities  Participate in the development of the annual and seasonal financial plans  Assist Director/Buyer and Inventory Management with determining appropriate adjustments (markdowns, delivery charges and quantity changes) to the plan to maximize sales, profits, budget (OTB) and to protect the brand. Recommend contest ideas and coordinate awards and in-store collateral  Handle escalated customer service issues  Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for input 

Criteria

BA/BS in a similar or related field  3+ years in Merchandising  Advanced retail math skills  Advanced MS Excel skills; required to create pivot tables, advanced formulas, and functions such as VLOOKUPS

 

We believe in People First

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. Our DEI initiatives prompt associate participation and engagement, aligning with our core vision to reflect the communities where we do business and put people first. 

 

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 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.  

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