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.

VP, Merchandising - Rejuvenation

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 beautiful, heirloom quality products for every style of home. 

 

Overview of the VP, Merchandising Role

The VP, Merchandising is responsible for developing three-year merchandising business strategies to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for multiple product categories. You will identify new product/category opportunities and manage information cross-functionally with Design, Inventory Management, Sourcing, Production, and Visual departments to ensure cohesive product stories, cross-channel launches, and business goals are met. Review and approve business strategies and financial plans. Regularly communicate and share information with various functions in division. You will be responsible for the direct supervision and development of the division merchant teams. 

Responsibilities

Identify the long-term strategic direction for multiple divisions. Communicate the vision and inspire the team to develop business plans and identify new opportunities. Review category strategy for the divisions to ensure current trends are capitalized upon throughout the department. For the divisions, review and approve: strategic plans to explore new business opportunities, product mix to ensure all collections have a cohesive look and meet standards, final samples, financial strategy, purchase plans, annual and seasonal financial plans to maximize sales and profits, and seasonal assortment plans (line lists) to ensure product is appropriate for brand. Work closely with visual merchandising to plan floor layouts and management strategy. Review markdown strategies. Develop staffing and succession plans. Interview candidates and approve division’s final candidates. Determine workload for staff; recommend effective processes and procedures to improve workflow and results. Provide direction and clarify objectives. Evaluate and appraise performance. Mentor, educate and develop staff.  Lead and facilitate divisional meetings across functions and distribution channels. Present concepts to President, SVP, Store Management and merchandising functions, collaborate and seek feedback on ideas and products. Regularly shop competitors to keep abreast of trends. Travel as needed to identify emerging themes and new inspirations (limited overseas travel required). Lead and participate in key company strategic initiatives and steering committees. Operate a computer and communicate via telephone.

Criteria

Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising or related field (preferred). Minimum of 8 years of Buying/Product/Category Management experience.   5+ years planning and inventory management in a retail company. Experience running OTB and developing strategies.  Strong forecasting, financial and analytical skills. Proven track record of setting strategies and driving top-line and bottom-line results.  Minimum of five years prior experience and proven success in leading and inspiring a team.  High level of proficiency in MS Office suite to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.  High level of proficiency in working with ERP system.  Proven 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.  Ability to perform work onsite in the Portland office full-time. 

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

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).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.