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 Team
We are a fast-paced manufacturing facility and distribution center. We employ approximately 110 diverse and talented associates in warehousing, production planning, assembly, finishing and packaging of top-quality lighting fixtures and house parts.
Overview of the Purchasing Agent role
You will be responsible for purchasing supplies and services in support of manufacturing production, facilities, maintenance, and environmental health & safety (EHS) programs within budget. You will work with supply and services vendors to meet our standards for cost, delivery, quality and EHS performance.
Responsibilities
Purchase supplies (such as packaging material, coatings, tools, abrasives), facility components, or other needed materials to support and meet manufacturing operating needs, including facilities, maintenance, and safety. Review and analyze operation requirements and place orders accordingly, using appropriate system. Maintain positive relationships with new and existing suppliers to foster long term partnerships. Research and develop competent suppliers of quality components by preparing bids, proposals, or other informational requests that contain material specification and supplier operational data. Organize and execute advanced negotiation techniques and demonstrate consistent results and meet company targets. Negotiate pricing and terms of sale with vendors and maintain accurate recordkeeping. Work with other department personnel, such as Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, etc. to resolve defect issues, plan for future requirements, or incorporate technical needs into future bids and proposals. Collaborate with receiving, inspection, and accounting to reconcile receipt of ordered and delivered goods and services. Investigate and respond appropriately to purchase price and invoice variances to ensure accurate, up to date and timely payment of invoices. Complete new vendor approval and system setup process (Contracts) by working closely with legal, accounting, and other functions. Manage Capital Expenditure (Capex) process including quoting, contracts and document approval and payment. Ensure proper disposition of all defects and nonconforming vendor supplies. Maintain records and documentation pertaining to past activities, order specifications, supplier specifications and performance histories, etc. and provides information to management as needed. Analyze information to assess financial stability and manufacturing capabilities of suppliers to guide sourcing decisions. Perform continued supplier market analysis to determine trends, risks, and opportunities and develop a strategy to develop new or existing suppliers. Work with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payment of conforming materials received and return/rework of materials that are defective. Perform other purchasing/support functions, as necessary.
Criteria
Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of related experience (manufacturing/warehouse environment experience preferred) Are proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, and Outlook Have prior experience with enterprise systems (Microsoft Dynamics AX and Oracle a plus) Possess strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to multitask. Ability to perform work onsite in Portland factory/office full-time. Able to work independently, with little direct supervision. Have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels and functions within the manufacturing facility.
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 and personal time 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.