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.
About 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 participate in design meetings while identifying opportunities and recommend new product or concepts for the department.
Responsibilities
- Develop business strategies and seasonal assortment plans to maximize the development of the brand, sales and profits for the department
- Own 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.
- Identify emerging trends and develop business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and threats. Obtain feedback from stores to improve product and add to collections
- Participate in the development of the annual and seasonal financial plans
- Provide SKU information to Merchandising Operations for input
- 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
- Present product vision and category performance to members of our leadership team
- Correspond with functional areas. Resolves, handles, and escalates difficult issues to Director/Buyer, Call Center and Stores
Criteria
- 4+ years experience in corporate merchandising, with at least 2 years at the associate buyer/merchant level
- BA/BS degree required
- Advanced retail math skills
- Strong presentation skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Ability to work autonomously, strong decision-making skills with good judgement
- Strong written and verbal communication to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Ability to work in a fast pace, often changing environment
- Advanced MS Excel skills; required to create pivot tables, advanced formulas, and functions such as VLOOKUPS
- This role requires being onsite in the Portland 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.
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.
About Us
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 Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. 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.
